The human body is composed of blood, which is pumped by the heart to nourish various parts. If we lose a significant amount of blood, we may become weak, exhausted, or even go into shock, ultimately leading to death. This illustrates that our bodies need blood, especially for the brain, one of the most vital organs. If the brain experiences a stroke, there is not only a risk of death but also a chance of becoming paralyzed.

What does a stroke mean?

"Stroke" refers to a condition where the blood vessels in the brain, the pathways for blood flow, become blocked. This obstruction prevents blood from nourishing that part of the brain, leading to brain cell death and, ultimately, loss of brain function. The severity of the ischemic condition in each patient determines the potential outcomes, ranging from paralysis and an inability to move the body to abnormal communication disorders.

What causes a stroke?

The primary factor behind a 'stroke' is the inadequate supply of blood to the brain, typically stemming from two main causes:

·        The brain's blood vessels are either blocked or narrowed.

·        The brain's blood vessels rupture, resulting in bleeding within the brain.

This condition can occur temporarily, known as a "Transient Ischemic Attack" (TIA), colloquially referred to as "temporary paralysis". In cases of TIA, where the brain temporarily loses function, normalcy can be restored with proper treatment. However, without appropriate intervention, patients may face permanent paralysis, disability, severe deterioration, or even death.

What risk factors contribute to a stroke?

Stroke can occur due to several risk factors, including:

·        Old age: Blood vessels tend to deteriorate and harden with age.

·        Family history: A history of stroke or high blood pressure in the family.

·        High blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is a significant risk factor.

·        High blood fat, obesity: Fat accumulation in blood vessels leads to vessel narrowing.

·        Diabetes: Accelerates blood vessel deterioration as the body converts sugar into fat, which accumulates in the vessels, increasing the risk of stroke.

·        Atrial fibrillation (AF): Increases the risk of blood clots dislodging from the heart and blocking brain vessels.

·        Smoking: Accelerates blood vessel deterioration.

·        Lack of exercise: Results in lower energy consumption, leading to increased fat accumulation in the body and blood vessels.

What are the signs of a stroke?

The prominent characteristic of a stroke is the “sudden onset of symptoms”, which can vary in each patient depending on the affected area of the brain. Common signs include:

·        Numbness and weakness on one side of the body.

·        Abnormal vision.

·        Slurred or nonsensical speech.

·        Headache, confusion, or, in some cases, loss of consciousness.

These can be summarized by the acronym "FAST", which stands for:

·                                       (F) FACE: Facial or mouth drooping.

· (A) ARM: Weakness or numbness on one arm or leg.

· (S) SPEECH: Abnormal speech, slurred speech, slow speech, or inability to speak.

· (T) TIME: Emphasizing the importance of time in getting a patient with these symptoms to the hospital as quickly as possible.

How is a stroke diagnosed?

To diagnose stroke patients, doctors employ various methods to identify risk factors and determine the type of stroke for appropriate treatment planning. The diagnostic process includes:

·        Taking a thorough medical history, covering symptoms, underlying diseases, treatment history, and family medical background.

·        Conducting a physical examination, which involves assessing brain function, such as the strength of arms and legs, engaging in conversation to evaluate perception, and measuring blood pressure.

·        Performing blood tests to identify disease risk factors.

·        Conducting an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart conditions that may cause blood clots in the brain.

·        Utilizing imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT SCAN) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to identify the cause of the stroke and guide appropriate treatment.

Can a stroke be cured?

The treatment approach for stroke patients is tailored to their specific symptoms and may include the following methods:

1. For patients with a stroke caused by a blood clot, the treatment approach involves:

·        Administering clot-dissolving drugs to open blocked blood vessels, allowing blood to nourish the brain again. The most effective treatment time is within 3 hours from the onset of symptoms. Therefore, patients should promptly seek medical attention to allow for diagnosis and consideration of drug administration limitations. Early administration of clot-dissolving drugs significantly reduces the risk of disability and death.

·         Administering clot-preventing drugs as a preventive measure against future blood clot formation and recurrence.

2. For patients with a stroke resulting from a ruptured brain blood vessel, the treatment approach includes:

·        Discontinuing medications that increase bleeding.

·        Managing diseases that serve as risk factors, such as high blood pressure.

·        In case of a large blood clot, surgery may be performed to reduce pressure on the brain tissue.

How to care for a stroke patient who is paralyzed?

Close care is essential for patients with a stroke who are paralyzed, and family members or close relatives play a crucial role in preventing complications and facilitating the rehabilitation of the patient's physical and mental health. Care guidelines for stroke patients include:

·        If the patient is unable to move and is paralyzed on one side, it’s important to turn or reposition them every 2 hours to prevent bedsores.

·        Prevent accidents from extreme heat or cold exposure, given the loss of sensory perception in half of the patient’s body.

·        Minimize the risk of falling off the bed by providing a safe bed with side rails.

·        Monitor food intake carefully to prevent choking. If the patient has difficulty swallowing, offer a soft diet and feed them appropriate amounts.

·        Ensure stroke patients receive continuous physical therapy, focusing on exercising muscles and joints. Speech correction specialists can assist in rehabilitating and improving speech and language comprehension abilities if affected.

·        Pay attention to the mental health of the patient. As they become more dependent on others, they may experience stress, worry, frustration, depression, and some may even encounter memory loss or difficulty understanding and communicating. Relatives should strive to learn and show understanding and care for the patient, boosting their morale for physical rehabilitation.

How to prevent a stroke?

We can reduce the risk factors of cerebrovascular disease and prevent strokes by following these guidelines:

·        Choose to consume beneficial foods and avoid excessively sweet, high-fat, and overly salty foods, which are contributors to various diseases.

·        Control your weight.

·        Engage in regular exercise.

·        Quit smoking.

·        Limit alcohol consumption.

In addition to adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, regular health check-ups from expert physicians are crucial and should not be overlooked. Annual check-ups significantly increase the chances of preventing strokes and reducing disability risk associated with stroke.