World Stroke Day 2023: Learn F.A.S.T to save lives and join the fight against stroke

The Covid-19 pandemic has made people take care of their health now more than ever before. Interestingly, Mumbai experts point out that among the many different diseases and sicknesses affecting people, there is ongoing research to find the connection between Covid and suffering from a stroke, as there have been people who suffered from the virus who have reported suffering from a stroke. Every year, people observe World Stroke Day on October 29 around the globe. While the disease is known to get more serious as a person gets older, there is also a need to take it seriously.

Dr Pradyumna Oak, director of Neurology and head of the Stroke Unit at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in the city, explains, "A stroke is a medical emergency signified by the sudden interruption or reduction of blood supply to a part of the brain. This deprivation of oxygen and nutrients can lead to the death of over two million of brain cells per minute." Dr Shirish M Hastak, regional director of Neurology, Stroke & Neurocritical Care at Global Hospital adds that there are as many as 4,000 cases of stroke reported in India per day.

Keeping the nature of stroke in mind, mid-day.com spoke to the doctors to simplify the disease, which is called a cerebrovascular accident. They not only dwell on the causes and effects but also on how people and civic authorities around them can help them deal with it.

What is a stroke?
Hastak: A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, that can be caused by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke) in the brain.
What are the causes of a stroke?

Oak: Strokes primarily arise from two main causes: ischemic strokes, which are caused by blocked arteries often due to blood clots or atherosclerosis, and haemorrhagic strokes, which result from bleeding within the brain, typically due to conditions like hypertension, aneurysms, or trauma.

Hastak: The causes of stroke also include small vessel disease, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, heart attack, and dissection of the arteries.

How does one recognise a stroke? What are the signs and symptoms?
Oak: One can recognise a stroke by its sudden onset of symptoms. In stroke, remember to act F.A.S.T. an acronym that indicates numbness or weakness in the (F)ace, (A)rm, or leg, especially on one side, confusion, difficulty in (S)peech or understanding, trouble seeing, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, and a sudden, severe headache and the last is Time to call for help.

Hastak: Recognising a stroke involves looking for signs and symptoms like sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, dizziness, and severe headache. If you suspect a stroke, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Which age group is more susceptible to suffering from a stroke? Does it affect more men or women?
Oak: While strokes can occur at any age, the risk increases with age. Men have a marginally higher risk of experiencing a stroke, but women have a higher likelihood of greater morbidity.

Hastak: Stroke can affect people of various age groups, but the risk increases with age. Men and women are both susceptible, although some differences exist in how strokes manifest and their risk factors.

Are there different types of strokes? Please elaborate.
Oak: Yes, there are several types of strokes. Ischemic strokes, the most common, are caused by blood clots or blockages in arteries. Haemorrhagic strokes are a result of bleeding in the brain. There's also the Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often termed a 'mini stroke', which has similar symptoms, but they usually resolve within 24 hours.

What are the effects of a stroke? How does it affect the person?
Oak: The after-effects of a stroke are variable and depend on the affected region of the brain. They can range from physical disabilities, like paralysis or muscle weakness, to cognitive impairments, including memory issues or difficulties with speech. Additionally, emotional changes, such as depression or mood swings, can also manifest.

Hastak: The effects of a stroke can vary but often include paralysis, speech difficulties, memory problems, and emotional changes. The extent of these effects depends on the location and severity of the stroke.

What are the challenges that a person who has suffered from a stroke can face?
Oak: Post-stroke individuals often grapple with physical disabilities that necessitate rehabilitation, communication difficulties, emotional and psychological challenges, and sometimes, a significant financial burden due to medical expenses and potential loss of livelihood due to mobility issues.

Hastak: Stroke survivors may face challenges such as rehabilitation, adapting to disability, and managing daily tasks. Support from healthcare professionals and caregivers is essential.

How can family and friends help those with a stroke?
Oak: Family and friends play an invaluable role as a support system in a stroke survivor's journey by providing emotional support, assisting with daily activities, and encouraging adherence to physical and speech therapy. Stroke patients, with loss of mobility or strength in limbs, may take a long to adjust to routine activities. It's essential to be patient with the stroke patients and exhibit patience and understanding during their recovery phase.

Hastak: Family and friends can provide emotional support, assist with rehabilitation exercises, and help with daily activities. Encouragement and understanding are crucial.

How can civic authorities help those with a stroke? Do you think public places are equipped to support people with a stroke?
Oak: Civic authorities can make a profound impact by enhancing public awareness about stroke prevention and recognition, ensuring public infrastructure is disability-friendly, and fostering support systems. While many public spaces in India are becoming more accessible, we can make the infrastructure more east-to-move around for the differently abled. More so public can play an important role in assisting civic bodies by citing places that can be more accessible for stroke patients.

Hastak: Civic authorities can support stroke survivors by ensuring accessible infrastructure and public spaces. This includes ramps, handrails, and accessible transportation options.

What is the connection between Covid-19 and strokes? Are people who have previously suffered from Covid more likely to get a stroke?
Oak: Emerging research suggests a potential association between severe Covid-19 infections and an increased risk of stroke, possibly stemming from inflammation or coagulation anomalies. Particularly, patients with acute Covid-19 have exhibited a proclivity for clot formation, predisposing them to ischemic strokes.

Hastak: There is a connection between Covid-19 and strokes, with reports of some Covid-19 patients experiencing strokes. Research is ongoing to understand the relationship but having Covid-19 may increase the risk of stroke in some cases.

Are there foods that people can eat to prevent a stroke?
Oak: While completely preventing the stroke is not possible, adopting a heart-healthy diet can limit stroke risk. This encompasses consuming foods rich in fibre, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while minimising intake of saturated and trans fats and moderating salt consumption.

Hastak: A healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce the risk of stroke. Foods low in saturated fats and sodium are recommended. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing chronic conditions like hypertension can also help prevent strokes.

How can people prevent getting a stroke? Does regular exercise help in the prevention of a stroke?
Oak: It's not possible to completely prevent stroke. One can reduce the chances of stroke by maintaining a salubrious weight, engaging in consistent physical activity, eschewing smoking, and being circumspect with alcohol intake. Also, judicious management of underlying conditions, like hypertension or diabetes, is pivotal.

It's extremely important to comprehend that timely intervention during a stroke can considerably diminish brain damage and subsequent complications. Recognising the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention are crucial. A handy mnemonic to remember is FAST: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call for help.