Acute stroke can be saved

Acute stroke is a common and serious health problem. Stroke is also the fourth leading cause of death in Hong Kong and the second leading cause of death in mainland China, with one person dying from stroke every 6 seconds worldwide. Stroke can strike without warning, with no symptoms appearing before onset. The recovery process depends entirely on whether timely rescue can be provided within hours of the onset. The sooner the treatment, the better the recovery progress.

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Causes

Ischemic stroke: Accounts for the majority of stroke cases, with over 80% of stroke patients suffering from ischemic stroke, caused by an interruption of blood supply to the brain. The affected brain may suffer from hypoxia and nutrient deprivation due to vascular embolism, leading to damage or necrosis of some brain tissue; the latter is caused by ruptured blood vessels leading to cerebral hemorrhage, where blood accumulates and compresses other brain tissues, causing damage to brain cells.

Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by ruptured blood vessels, leading to blood leakage into brain tissue, resulting in cerebral hemorrhage.

When it occurs, the blood supply to the brain is blocked or interrupted, leading to oxygen deprivation in brain tissue, which in turn causes cell damage or death. It is a condition that requires significant attention.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute stroke can vary depending on the individual and the type of stroke. Common stroke symptoms include severe headache and dizziness,

Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, blurred or lost vision, difficulty speaking, including slurred speech or inability to understand others, sudden severe aphasia or difficulty understanding speech, problems with balance and coordination, which may lead to sudden falls or difficulty walking.

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Impact

Acute stroke can have long-term physical and life impacts on patients, including a decrease in quality of life. Stroke can lead to loss of self-care ability, limiting the patient's mobility and independence. Stroke can cause damage to language, memory, and cognitive abilities, affecting communication with others and daily life. It can also lead to impaired motor function, including muscle weakness, stiffness, or incoordination, and patients may face psychological stress, emotional fluctuations, and depression.

Golden Hour

The time of intervention is crucial for stroke treatment; the sooner treatment is received, the better. Therefore, stroke treatment has always had a "golden 3 hours" guideline. After a stroke, some brain cells have not yet died in a short period. Especially for patients with ischemic stroke, if thrombolytic drugs can be injected or thrombectomy surgery performed in time to restore blood supply as early as possible, there is a chance to save brain cells that have not yet died, increasing the patient's recovery speed and ability.

Prevention

Healthy diet: Choose a low-fat, low-sodium, high-fiber diet, increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Moderate exercise: Stay physically active, with at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

Control high blood pressure and high blood lipids: Maintain normal blood pressure and blood lipid levels, and regularly check and control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.

Regular check-ups: undergo regular physical examinations, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol measurements.

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*The above does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for general conditions or any individual or patient case, nor should it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Publication Date: January 9, 2023 If you would like to receive free regular health information, please subscribe to us.

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