Every October 27th, World Stroke Day is celebrated in order to direct attention to this pathology, which is the third leading cause of death in the world. A stroke is a cerebral vascular accident that occurs when the blood supply does not reach the brain due to an obstruction or rupture. In this situation, the brain cells die because they do not receive the oxygen they need. Experts say that many cases of stroke could be prevented.
Symptoms and types of stroke
- Stroke affects one in six people in the world and in most cases death occurs. In the event that death does not occur, the damage caused to the brain may be irreparable. It is a brain disease that, as in the case of a heart attack, causes more deaths in women than in men.
- There are two types of stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when blood vessels become blocked and can be caused by an embolism or thrombosis. Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, occurs when the blood vessel ruptures. But in both strokes the problem is that the blood flow is interrupted and does not reach the brain.
- Stroke usually starts suddenly and develops causing injury or even death very quickly, although there are cases where stroke progresses slowly causing brain lesions over several hours or days and may be interrupted Spontaneously.
- Symptoms vary depending on the part of the brain affected by the stroke. But sudden confusion and difficulty speaking and understanding, as well as slower movements, are common. Loss of vision and memory and paralysis on one side of the body are symptoms that appear in most cases of stroke.
Causes and prevention of stroke
- Brain stroke can affect every one of any age and sex, although the risk of suffering it increases with age and in certain specific situations. Be alert if there is a family history of stroke, as well as if you have hypertension or diabetes. Alcohol and tobacco are the main enemies of vascular health because they considerably obstruct blood flow. And those people with heart problems are especially sensitive to suffering from this brain pathology.
- In the event that a stroke is taking place, it is essential to transfer the affected person to a hospital center as quickly as possible to prevent brain injuries from increasing. In any case, the treatment will depend on the disabilities that have remained after the brain accident and will be aimed at alleviating its limitations.
- But considering that a large part of stroke cases can be avoided, the main task is prevention. Eliminating salt from the diet if you suffer from hypertension, controlling cholesterol and being overweight, and abstaining from habits such as smoking and excessive drinking are important steps that we must take to enjoy a better quality of life.