Adding life to years after stroke

It can happen to anyone on any day at any age. Stroke is an emergency where the time to react is very limited. Having an awareness and understanding about Stroke is all that is needed at that crucial point of time. A life can be saved just by knowing what signs and symptoms to look for. Stroke may leave people dead or with a life-changing disability.

In simple terms, Stroke is an attack on the brain, when the supply of blood to the brain is hindered. The hindrance may be due to a bleed or blockage. The cells in the brain are damaged without continuous supply of blood, affecting the body, mobility and speech, as well as how patients think and feel. The nature of the affect depends on the extent of damage caused to the brain, and the part of the brain that is damaged. It is obvious that during the damage every minute and second counts. The more the delay in the treatment, the greater is the damage to the brain cells.

Annually, World Stroke Day is observed on 29th October to raise awareness and the ways to fight it. The main aim is to promote healthy living and ways to recognize the warning signs of Stroke and action that needs to be taken. This year, the theme of World Stroke Day is #UpAgainAfterStroke in order to achieve the best possible quality of life after Stroke.

Dr. Chitela Sita, Sr. Consultant Neurologist, MaxCure Hospitals, says, “Though Stroke is a very complex medical issue, early recognition of the warning signs makes a huge difference. There has been quite an improvement and change in Stroke care in the last few years in India. But, after stroke, personal care is of the utmost importance. Patients may suffer from unrecognized depression which may hamper their recovery as well as their ability to get back to their lives. Such people need appropriate psychiatric care.”

“Meeting people can help. There are many people out there who are recovering from a Stroke just like you. Stop getting depressed and staying home all the time. Patients who meet other Stroke patients start to realize that they are not the only ones suffering. They will gain confidence which will help in speedier recovery.”

These are a few Stroke symptoms which should not be ignored. Seek immediate medical advice if you experience or see the following symptoms:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, trouble in speaking, or understanding.

Sudden trouble in seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes.

Sudden trouble in walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination

Sudden severe headache accompanied by vomiting without a known cause.