On World Stroke Day, which is today, 29 October, Dr Sanjay Saxena from Max Healthcare, and K Rajpal, who suffered a stroke eight years ago at the age of seventy four, speak with FIT about the causes, symptoms and treatment of a stroke.
A stroke or brain attack refers to a condition characterised by a sudden loss of brain function. It can be due to a blocked vessel (medically known as an ischemic stroke) or due to ruptured blood vessel (medically known as a hemorrhagic stroke). It’s a medical emergency requiring immediate attention and treatment by an expert.
The conversation with Dr Saxena revealed that the symptoms of a stroke can be varied. They include weakness and numbness on one side of the body, difficulty in speaking and understanding words, drowsiness, loss of vision, severe headaches and sometimes even death. Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected. If not treated in time, the weakness and other neurological deficits may become permanent and extremely disabling.
According to a study done by researchers in 2006 in the USA, a patient with ischemic stroke loses 190,0000 brain cells every minute. The end result is the patient is paralysed for life and becomes dependent. There is about 1.2 million to 1.5 million strokes in India every year and with awareness, this number can be brought down by 80 percent, says Dr Saxena.
To get answers to more FAQs about stroke, take a look at our conversation with Dr Saxena and K Rajpal.
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