Do not let stroke strike you down

Today is World Stroke Day

On the eve of World Stroke Day on October 29, doctors caution the public on the factors that cause stroke and how to watch for the warning signs and prevent disaster.

Neurologist at K.G. Hospital T.C.R. Ramakrishnan explains that stroke or cerebrovascular accident or brain attack occurs when the vessels supplying blood to the brain are blocked, interrupting the blood flow.

This results in the death of the brain cells. And, functions such as speech, memory or movement may be affected depending on the area of the brain involved.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death after the age of 60. Studies across the world show that cases of stroke occur every six seconds. It is not that stroke affects only elders. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in people aged 15 to 59 years. Stroke is indiscriminate and does not respect age, sex, race or economic status.

Stroke afflicts 15 million people each year. Of them, almost six million die and a further five million are left permanently disabled.

I
n 2009, the World Stroke Organisation fixed October 29 for the start of a global campaign titled “Stroke, what can I do?” The following year, it launched the “1 in 6” campaign to emphasise that one in six people will have a stroke within their life time.

This year, the organisation is continuing with the theme of 2010 “One in six”, but has added “Act Now” and “How to Act Now” as additional themes. It has listed some tasks (see graphics) that are critical to avoiding strokes.

Diabetologist V. Rajendran of Dr. Rajendran's Diabetes Centre says diabetes mellitus by itself is one of the major and independent risk factors for stroke. Large population studies have shown stroke to be more frequent and have higher mortality in patients with diabetes, with women being more prone to it.

The other associated risk factors increase this risk manifold. High blood pressure and cholesterol and high-risk habits such as use of tobacco and family history of stroke add to the risk that diabetes already poses.

Diabetics should constantly monitor blood sugar level and also other metabolic parameters such as cholesterol. Lifestyle and dietary changes should be made if any of these are found to breach normal limits.

 

Hypertension

State president of Indian Medical Association L.P. Thangavel says people are increasingly aware of stroke. Educated people also know that uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes are major risk factors.

But, much needs to be done in the rural areas to increase awareness. Hypertension and diabetes screening should be stepped up in rural areas and those found with the symptoms should be educated on the risks from the disease and how to avoid these.

Dr. Thangavel says the symptoms of stroke are easily understandable and primary level physicians can identify these. With imaging systems such as computed tomography available, detection is not a problem. Yet, physicians must approach the patients showing the symptoms (see graphics) with a high degree of suspicion so that accurate diagnosis is not missed.