What is Stroke?

Disruption of blood supply to any part of the brain due to rupture of blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to the
brain, or blockage of the blood vessel due to the formation of a clot is termed as Stroke. When the supply of oxygen and
nutrients is disrupted, brain cell gets damaged. As the brain cells or neurons, once damaged are incapable of self-regeneration, they die quickly sometimes causing damage beyond repair to the person. A stroke is a medical emergency and needs urgent medical attention.

What are the causes of Stroke?

The main types of Stroke are Ischemic and Hemorrhagic.
1) Ischemic Stroke – caused by a blood clot Ischemic means a reduced blood and oxygen supply to a part of the body. It is usually caused by a blood clot in an artery, which blocks the flow of blood into the brain.
2) Hemorrhagic Stroke – caused by bleeding A damaged or weakened artery may burst and bleed.

What are the symptoms of a Stroke?

The functions of the different parts of the body are controlled by different parts of the brain. So, the symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected and on the size of the damaged area. Symptoms develop suddenly and usually include one or more of the following:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body involving the face, an arm or a leg.
  • Sudden confusion and difficulty in speaking or understanding speech.
  • Poor eyesight
  • Difficulty in walking and dizziness.
  • Sudden loss of balance and inability to coordinate actions.
  • A severe headache with no known cause.

What should one do if the patient develops the symptoms?

“TIME IS BRAIN” because every minute delay in stroke treatment leads to the death of approximately 2 million neurons.
Therefore, the patient should be rushed to a hospital immediately which has a Stroke Unit with CT / MRI facility.

How is Stroke diagnosed?

A Doctor usually diagnoses a Stroke by symptoms and signs which develop suddenly. Tests which are commonly done to diagnose:

A brain scan (CT scan or SOS ANGIO
Blood tests
Chest X-ray & 2D ECHO, EC