Signs And Treatment Of Stroke: A brain stroke is a serious and sudden medical condition that is caused by insufficient blood flow to any part of the brain. It is caused by a blocked artery or bleeding in the brain. Without the constant blood flow, the blood cells in that area die due to lack of oxygen. Anyone of any age can suffer from a stroke but it's more common in older age. Even renowned celebrities Mithun Chakraborty and Rahul Roy to Entrepreneur Nithin Kamath have suffered strokes which brought attention to this serious condition. Their experiences have helped in learn how important it is to recognise the early signs and symptoms of stroke and avoid serious damage.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Puneet Kant Arora, Consultant and HOD Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram listed the early signs and treatment options of a stroke.

Early Signs Of Stroke

F- Weakness in Face muscles or paralysis causing a droop
A- Arm muscle weakness and inability to hold it in the air
S- Slurred speech or difficulty while speaking and loss of words
T- Critical Time to call for immediate help

Risk Factors That Lead To Stroke

There are various risk factors associated with stroke, age being the significant one and several lifestyle choices also play an important role. Factors like high blood pressure, chronic heart conditions, diabetes, smoking or drinking and sedentary lifestyle contribute to the risk of stroke.

Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available to treat the affected part of the brain. After a stroke, the treatment starts with medicines like blood thinners or an injection known as the tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). TPA is effective but only if it's injected within 4-5 hours of stroke. Apart from these surgical options are also available like angioplasty but is preferred only in serious conditions and there is no other option left. Rehabilitation programs include a set of therapies for speech, movement, gaining back muscle strength, reading, writing and other everyday skills.

Therapies For Stroke

Physiotherapy

It involves physical activities to improve movement and muscle strength. Helps with numbness in any part of the body. Activities like balance training, exercises, walking or swallowing are included.

Cognitive Therapy

Concentration, thinking ability, speech, reading and writing are a few skills that are revived through this.

Occupational Therapy

Everyday activities like eating, cooking, dressing, sitting and walking are included to train the person and help in gain back the power to do things on their own.

Behavioural Therapy

This therapy helps in dealing with post-stroke anxiety, depression and feelings of tiredness to support their emotional well-being.

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