Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as stroke, is a leading cause of disability and mortality not only in Vietnam but worldwide. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate detection and intervention. Failure to do so may result in severe consequences related to the nervous system and motor functions. Therefore, this article aims to provide information on the most common signs of stroke and related knowledge about this condition.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke (or cerebrovascular accident) is a severe medical condition that occurs when there is an interruption or reduction of blood flow to a part of the brain. This can happen due to the blockage of blood vessels (ischemic stroke) or bleeding from blood vessels (hemorrhagic stroke).
Stroke is a serious medical condition
Classification of Stroke
There are two types of strokes:
1. Ischemic Stroke (Cerebral Infarction)
Over 80% of stroke cases result from ischemia, occurring when blood vessels supplying the brain are narrowed or blocked by a blood clot.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding around and damaging brain tissue. This type is further classified into intracerebral hemorrhage (within the brain) and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Additionally, there is a condition similar to stroke known as “transient ischemic attack (TIA),” which lasts for a short time before disappearing. TIAs are often caused by temporary blood flow disruptions due to blood clots and are considered warning signs for future strokes. More than one-third of people experiencing TIAs, if left untreated, may have a stroke within a year, and about 10-15% may experience a severe stroke within three months after a TIA.
Causes of Stroke
1. Causes of Ischemic Stroke
– Main causes include blood clot formation in the arteries affected by atherosclerosis. This commonly occurs in critical arteries like the carotid, vertebral, and cerebral arteries. Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fatty deposits inside artery walls, forming plaque clusters, making the arteries stiff and narrow. When a plaque ruptures, it creates conditions for blood clot formation, completely blocking the artery’s lumen.
– Another cause is embolism, where a blood clot forms at a different location in the circulatory system, often from the heart, and then travels with the blood flow to the brain, causing a blockage in the cerebral blood vessels. Embolism in cerebral blood vessels is often linked to heart diseases, inflammation, or cancer.
– Cerebrovascular diseases, mainly involving arteries deep within the brain, can also lead to ischemic strokes.
2. Causes of Hemorrhagic Stroke
– High blood pressure.
– Brain amyloidosis.
– Blood clotting disorders.
– Blood-thinning medications.
– Fibrinolytic therapy in treating acute myocardial infarction or acute ischemic stroke (which can lead to hemorrhagic stroke).
– Aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and other vascular abnormalities (such as cavernous malformations).
– Vasculitis.
– Intracranial neoplasms.
Signs of Stroke
To identify signs of stroke, you can use the B.E.F.A.S.T. method:
1. Balance
Sudden difficulty maintaining balance or body coordination.
Imbalance is one of the prevalent signs of stroke
2. Eye – signs of stroke
Blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
3. Face
Facial droop on one side or sagging of the mouth.
4. Arm
Numbness or weakness in one arm, inability to raise one arm, one side weaker than the other.
5. Speech
Suddenly slurred speech, stuttering, or inability to speak.
6. Time – signs of stroke
Take the patient to a medical facility capable of treating stroke as quickly as possible.
What to Do in Case of a Stroke
When a stroke is suspected, time is crucial for treatment and outcomes. Follow these important steps immediately:
1. Call for emergency assistance: Dial emergency services immediately (in some countries, it may be 911) and provide information about the person’s stroke symptoms. Mention that you suspect they are experiencing a stroke and need immediate medical help.
2. Do not self-treat: Do not attempt self-treatment with medications or any actions without guidance from a healthcare professional.
3. Keep the patient comfortable: Place them in a comfortable position and keep them warm. Occasionally check their breathing and consciousness.
4. Record the onset time of symptoms: Note the time when stroke symptoms started, as this can help healthcare professionals determine if specific therapeutic interventions are applicable.
5. Do not allow the patient to eat or drink: Refrain from giving food or water to the stroke victim, as they may have difficulty swallowing.
6. Remove obstructive objects: Ensure there are no objects obstructing the stroke victim’s mouth, such as lipstick or food.
7. Hold onto medical information: If possible, provide information about the patient’s medical history and medications, as this can assist healthcare professionals in determining the best course of treatment.
Remember that time is of the essence when dealing with a stroke, and initiating treatment as early as possible is crucial to reduce brain damage and optimize recovery.
Preventing Stroke
There are several measures you can take to reduce the risk of stroke and protect your health:
Control blood pressure
Monitor and maintain blood pressure at a safe level. If you have high blood pressure, adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding medication and lifestyle changes.
Control blood sugar
If you have diabetes, maintain stable blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and following your doctor’s guidance.
Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk of stroke. If you smoke, find ways to quit and seek support from healthcare professionals.
Lose weight (if necessary)
If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce the risk of stroke.
Maintain normal cholesterol levels
Monitor cholesterol levels and follow your doctor’s advice on controlling cholesterol levels through a healthy diet, especially avoiding cholesterol-rich foods.
Regular exercise
Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Exercise strengthens the body’s immunity and improves blood circulation.
Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of stroke
Limit sodium (salt) intake
Reducing salt consumption can help control blood pressure and decrease the risk of stroke.
Check and treat underlying conditions
Monitor and treat underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
Reduce stress
Practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or exercise to alleviate daily stress and pressure.
Adhere to healthcare check-up schedules
This includes regular visits to the doctor for health check-ups and addressing basic health issues.
Remember that lifestyle changes and adherence to medical advice are crucial to prevent stroke and maintain good health.
This article has provided a comprehensive overview and the most common signs of stroke. Stroke is a threatening health condition, and any related signs should not be underestimated. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitor health regularly, and undergo periodic checks to detect and prevent factors that may lead to the disease.
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
More than 10 years of marketing communications experience in the medical and health field.
Successfully deployed marketing communication activities, content development and social networking channels for hospital partners, clinics, doctors and medical professionals across the country.
More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Typical programs include Nhật Ký Blouse Trắng, Bác Sĩ Nói Gì, Alo Bác Sĩ Nghe, Nhật Ký Hạnh Phúc, Vui Khỏe Cùng Con, Bác Sỹ Mẹ, v.v.
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