Stroke: The Lightning Bolt That Changes Everything
A stroke strikes without warning and can turn your life upside down. Quick intervention and a healthy lifestyle are vital to reducing the risk of stroke and improving recovery chances.
Table of Contents:
What is a Stroke?
Reducing Stroke Risk
Symptoms
First Aid in Case of Stroke
Treatment
A stroke hits like a lightning bolt, completely upending life. Every year, around 1,000 people in Bahrain suffer a stroke, often unexpectedly. In most cases, blood clots are the cause, blocking blood vessels or causing a vessel to burst and flood the brain with blood.
Even minor damage to sensitive areas of the brain can be life-threatening. Statistics show that about 5 to 10 percent of stroke patients die within four weeks of the incident. Within the first year, this number rises to 15 to 20 percent. For those who survive, life is often drastically altered. Nearly half suffer permanent damage, and a third rely on external assistance. Thus, stroke is not only one of the leading causes of death but also a major cause of permanent disability.
In the event of a stroke, quick reaction can make the difference between life and death, and between rapid recovery or permanent effects. "If you suspect a stroke, it's better to call emergency services once too often than not at all," advises Professor Dr. Hakan Sarikaya, chief physician at the Neurology Clinic of the University Hospital in Bern and a member of the Stroke Prevention Committee of the Swiss Heart Foundation.
What is a Stroke?
During a stroke, blood flow to certain areas of the brain is suddenly interrupted. Insufficient blood flow, known as ischemic stroke, accounts for about 85 percent of cases. This occurs when a blood clot or narrowed artery blocks blood flow to a specific area of the brain. In approximately 15 percent of cases, the stroke is hemorrhagic, where a blood vessel bursts, allowing blood to spread into the surrounding tissue.
Reducing Stroke Risk by 80 Percent
Strokes are particularly dangerous because they occur suddenly and without warning. In addition to genetics, age is a significant risk factor. Consequently, the number of patients aged 60 and older is increasing significantly. However, the belief that age alone is responsible and nothing can be done is incorrect, as Dr. Hakan Sarikaya explains. In fact, an international study has shown that stroke risk can be reduced by 80 percent by controlling certain personal risk factors.
Risk Factors:
High Blood Pressure: Damages blood vessels and causes arteriosclerosis and arterial narrowing. Regular monitoring and medication, if necessary, are essential.
Nicotine: Smoking damages blood vessels, promotes arteriosclerosis, and significantly increases stroke risk by making blood thicker and more prone to clotting.
Alcohol: High or regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of stroke, liver disease, and heart conditions.
Overweight: Obesity and lack of physical activity contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis. Dr. Sarikaya recommends regular physical activity—at least three endurance sessions of 30 minutes per week.
Lipid Metabolism Disorders: High cholesterol or other lipid abnormalities increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and stroke. Healthy eating and medication can help.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and stroke.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Irregular heartbeats promote the formation of blood clots. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Sleep: Experts recommend six to eight hours of sleep per night. Anyone feeling tired during the day or noticing irregular snoring followed by breathing pauses should consult a specialist.
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms Correctly
Every second counts in the case of a stroke, so it's essential to identify the signs correctly. Numbness and paralysis on one side of the body, along with acute vision and speech problems, are typical indicators. To check if it is a stroke, experts recommend a quick test:
Face: Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops, it indicates possible paralysis.
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward, it may indicate paralysis.
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. If they have difficulty speaking or speak incomprehensibly, it may be a sign of stroke.
Time: Do not wait, report immediately to emergency services.
First Aid Makes a Big Difference
While waiting for emergency services, try to calm the person and keep their upper body slightly elevated to facilitate breathing. Loosen tight clothing such as collars or ties to avoid additional pressure. Do not give the person any food or drink as this could cause choking.
If the person is unconscious but still breathing, place them in a safe side position, with the paralyzed side down. This position keeps the airway open and prevents the person from choking on saliva or vomit.
How to Treat Stroke
Upon arrival, the patient is taken to the nearest stroke unit. For ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot, treatment focuses on removing the clot and restoring blood flow, either through medication or catheterization.
For hemorrhagic stroke, caused by brain bleeding, treatment aims to control blood pressure and intracranial bleeding. Strict bed rest and measures to avoid increasing pressure are necessary. In cases of severe bleeding, surgery may be required.
Preventing Recurrent Strokes
Once the immediate danger is eliminated, the goal is to prevent another stroke. In addition to medication, measures such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight loss, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are recommended.
These changes help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of another stroke. Adopting a healthy lifestyle complements medication and significantly contributes to stroke prevention.
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