What are strokes? How do strokes affect our brain? What do you do if you encounter someone having a stroke?
To define a stroke simply, it is a loss of blood flow to part(s) of the brain that causes damage to the brain tissue. Strokes are generally triggered by blood clots or broken blood vessels in the brain. Strokes can have a significant impact on the mind and the brain. As a result of a stroke, parts of the brain either die or become damaged. This affects movement, speech and eyesight, among other important bodily functions.
An ischemic stroke is one that occurs when a vessel providing blood to the brain is blocked. This blockage is primarily due to build up of fatty deposits, known as plaque. Clots usually start closer to the heart and through the circulatory system, eventually reach the brain.
The human brain can be divided into three important parts : the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. Each part is responsible for different human functions and abilities. The extent of effect of a stroke depends on what part of the brain is affected. A stroke in the cerebrum can cause issues with cognitive ability, perception, motion, speech and language, vision, etc while a stroke in the cerebellum commonly causes headaches and lack of coordination and balance. Strokes in the brainstem can cause paralysis, hinder heart functions, and lead to a coma.
What to do if you encounter someone having a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. If you suspect that someone is suffering from a stroke - use the acronym F.A.S.T to help you act.
F - Face
(Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?)
A - Arms
(Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm droop or drift downwards?)
S - Speech
(Ask the person to repeat a sentence. Is their speech slurred or slow?)
T - Time
(Time is of the essence in such situations. Call your local emergency number FAST)
Sources :
- “Effects of Stroke.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 8 Aug. 2021, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/effects-of-stroke#:~:text=Right%2Dsided%20weakness%20or%20paralysis,organize%2C%20reason%2C%20and%20analyze%20items.
- “About Stroke.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 May 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm#:~:text=A%20stroke%2C%20sometimes%20called%20a,term%20disability%2C%20or%20even%20death.
- Hersh, Erica. “Ischemic Stroke: Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 Sept. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/cerebral-ischemia#risk-factors.
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