Stroke is one of the four most common causes of death in many countries and causes severe disability in adults. A stroke is a medical emergency; it not only suddenly disrupts brain function but can also trigger more serious, life-threatening conditions. Understanding stroke, its risk factors, symptoms, and treatment is crucial for greater awareness and early prevention. Read this article for a more in-depth discussion.
Know What a Stroke Is
A stroke is a sudden disruption of blood circulation to the brain. This condition can occur due to a blockage, known as a non-hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, or due to a ruptured blood vessel, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. There are risk factors that can contribute to the occurrence of these blockages or ruptures.
Non-Hemorrhagic Stroke or Ischemic Stroke
Caused by focal cerebral ischemia, a condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to a specific area of the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients, and can result in the death of brain cells and permanent damage.
Risk factors for non-hemorrhagic stroke or ischemic stroke include:
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Diabetes mellitus or diabetes
- Heart disorders
- Uncontrolled cholesterol levels
- Lack of physical activity/exercise
- Unable to manage stress well
- Poor lifestyle, for example lack of sleep, lack of rest, irregular eating patterns
- Age factor
- Smoke
- Other factors that are still being researched by experts as time goes by
Symptoms of non-hemorrhagic stroke or ischemic stroke occur suddenly, including:
- Experiencing dizziness that feels like spinning (vertigo) which can be accompanied by a feeling of numbness or tingling on one side of the face or around the mouth.
- Talking nonsense
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Language disorders (aphasia)
- Double vision
- Until consciousness decreases
- And others
Treatment for non-hemorrhagic stroke or ischemic stroke includes:
- There's not much you can do at home. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital with adequate facilities.
- Upon arrival at the hospital, after the patient has been thoroughly examined, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) of the head will generally be performed, or a CT scan of the head (depending on the facilities available at the hospital).
- This is currently known as the golden period , which is approximately 3.5 hours after the onset of an attack or symptoms. During this period, patients are expected to be hospitalized and receive thrombolytic therapy (to break up the clot). The administration of thrombolytic drugs must, of course, follow strict criteria tailored to the patient's condition.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. In most cases, it's caused by hypertension or uncontrolled high blood pressure, but it can also be caused by other factors, as described below. Compared to non-hemorrhagic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes are generally more dangerous.
Risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke include:
- Uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure
- In older patients with normal blood pressure, hemorrhagic stroke can occur as a result of amyloid angiopathy (a condition in which amyloid protein builds up in the walls of blood vessels, particularly in the brain). This buildup causes blood vessels to become fragile and more likely to rupture.
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a blood vessel disorder that occurs from birth, namely an abnormal network of blood vessels where arteries and veins are directly connected to each other without any capillaries.
- An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or balloon-like bulge in the wall of a weakened blood vessel, which can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Medications (blood thinners, narcotics)
- Blood disorders
- And others
Symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke include:
- It depends on the location of the area and the extent of the bleeding that occurs.
- If severe bleeding occurs, most patients will experience severe headaches accompanied by vomiting and rapid loss of consciousness.
- If there is not severe bleeding, symptoms such as non-hemorrhagic stroke can occur (slurred speech, paralysis on one side, language disorders, etc.)
Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke includes:
- There's not much you can do at home. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital with adequate facilities.
- Upon arrival at the hospital, after the patient has been thoroughly examined, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) of the head will generally be performed, or a CT scan of the head (depending on the facilities available at the hospital).
- If the results of an MRI or CT scan of the head show that there is a bleeding volume of more than or equal to 30 cc, then in general the bleeding must be removed by a neurosurgeon.
- However, if the MRI or CT scan results of the head show a small amount of bleeding (less than 30 cc), then in general the patient will be treated conservatively.
Conclusion :
Understand the risk factors for stroke. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and detect risk factors early. Prevention is always better than cure.
Article written by Dr. Sendjaja Muljadi, Sp.N, FICA, FRCP, FMIN (Neurology Specialist Doctor at EMC Alam Sutera & Sentul Hospital).