Stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients and causing brain cells to begin dying within minutes. It is broadly classified into ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking an artery supplying the brain, which accounts for the majority of cases, and hemorrhagic stroke, caused by a blood vessel rupturing and bleeding into or around the brain. The specific symptoms and their severity depend on which part of the brain is affected and how much tissue is deprived of blood flow, and permanent disability or death can result if blood flow is not restored quickly. Because brain tissue is lost rapidly with every passing minute, immediate recognition of symptoms and emergency treatment are critical to minimizing permanent damage.

The most common symptoms include: sudden weakness or numbness of the face; arm; or leg especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech. Early recognition is key to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

No, Stroke is not contagious. It cannot spread through casual contact. However, certain risk factors and genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility.

Treatment options include: For ischemic stroke; rapid administration of clot-dissolving medication within a narrow time window from symptom onset; or mechanical removal of the clot through a catheter-based procedure called thrombectomy. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified Emergency Medicine specialist. Do not self-medicate.

While Stroke cannot always be fully prevented, several measures can reduce risk: controlling blood pressure; cholesterol; and blood sugar levels.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of Stroke. This is a serious condition — go to the emergency room or call 112 if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.