Stroke Warning Signs You Need to Beware Of

 

Stroke, known as the third leading cause of death in Malaysia, affects 52,000 Malaysians a year. According to statistics, Malaysia records an average daily hospitalization of 92 cases and almost 32 deaths daily due to stroke.

 

What’s concerning is that the prevalence of stroke has increased among younger population, in which 40% of stroke patients were under 60 years old.

 

Delay in care and treatment may cause severe complications in stroke, such as paralysis, difficulty speaking, memory loss and even death. If properly treated, one with stroke can has higher recovery rate.

 

 

Types of Strokes

 

 

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. This disrupt of blood flow cause lack of blood supply, which can damage the brain tissue. The three types of stroke include ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack. 

 

(i) Ischemic Stroke

 

Most strokes (75-80%) are ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked. This can cause numbness in the face, weak limbs, balance difficulties, trouble speaking and problem seeing with one or both eyes.

 

(ii) Hemorrhagic Stroke

 

Hemorrhagic strokes account for 20% of all strokes. Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood vessels in the brain ruptures or leaks blood. This can cause severe headache, loss of consciousness, vomiting and other neurological diseases. Hemorrhagic strokes are often caused by hypertension, aneurysm or arteriovenous malformations.

 

(iii) Transient Ischemic Stroke (Mini Stroke)

 

Unlike major strokes, transient ischemic stroke happens for only a short time (minutes to an hour) and it usually resolves within 24 hours. However, transient ischemic stroke is a warning sign of a future stroke (and that about 15% of stroke patients have had mini stroke), so early treatment is essential.

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The Warning Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

 

 

About 65% of stroke patients received delayed treatment as they are unaware of the symptoms. This could cause more severe brain damage and worsen the complications. Hence, one should always beware of these warning signs of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden dizziness or trouble walking
• Sudden trouble speaking
• Sudden severe headache with unknown cause

 

 

Spot a stroke: Act F.A.S.T

 

 

If you spot someone with one of the above three symptoms, call an ambulance and seek for immediate medical care.

 

 

Stroke Prevention

 

 

Stroke is caused by atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries. Factors that cause atherosclerosis include age, smoking tobacco, physical inactivity, imbalance diet, excess alcohol consumption, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, obesity and family history.

 

To prevent stroke and cardiovascular diseases, it is very important to do regular check-up, exercise regularly and avoid tobacco smoke and alcohol for good heart health.

 

Source:

Oriental Daily