Stroke
What is a Stroke?
Stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. A stroke can happen when blood flow to the brain is obstructed or when there is an abrupt bleed in the brain. There are two (2) primary types of strokes.
- An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked, preventing the brain from receiving oxygen and nutrients from the blood. Without these essential elements, brain cells start to die within minutes.
- A hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, is caused by sudden bleeding in the brain. This leaked blood exerts pressure on brain cells, leading to their damage.
Approximately 90% of strokes are ischemic, involving blocked blood vessels, while the remaining cases are hemorrhagic, involving internal bleeding. Strokes are further categorized based on the specific location in the brain where the blockage or bleeding occurs.
The signs and symptoms of a stroke. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to minimizing the impact of a stroke.
Stroke often occurs rapidly, but it can also develop gradually over hours or even days. This can happen when a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary blockage that resolves before causing brain damage then progresses into a full stroke. The specific symptoms experienced depend on the type of stroke and the region of the brain affected.
Signs of TIA or stroke may include:
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
- Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes.
- Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
After Stroke, you may develop complications. Therefore, your stroke team may provide medical treatments to you such as,
- Dangerous blood clots.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Loss of bone density or strength.
- Muscle weakness or inability to move.
- Problems with language, thinking, or memory.
- Seizures.
- Swelling in the brain.
- Swallowing difficulties and pneumonia.
There are controllable and uncontrollable factors that may cause risks.
•Controllable.
- High blood pressure.
- Obesity.
- Physical inactivity.
- Poor diet.
- Smoking.
•Uncontrollable.
- Age.
- Anxiety, depression, and high stress levels.
- Family history and genetics.
- Living or working in areas with air pollution
- Other medical conditions
- Other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
- Race and ethnicity.
- Viral infections or conditions.
Treatment for a stroke depends on whether the stroke was ischemic or hemorrhagic, how much time has passed since symptoms started and whether you have other medical conditions. Doctors will provide treatment by giving medicines together with treatment procedures.
Every Minute Counts!
A stroke is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe disability. Palliative care or hospice care may help some people achieve a better quality of life with fewer symptoms. These care approaches focus on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the condition aiming to improve overall well-being and comfort. At this point, Brainwell Medical Pattaya and Bangkok offer advanced brain stimulation, the European medical innovations for treating a Stroke!
1. Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS Brainwell+): A non-invasive brain stimulation technology using low-energy sound waves to target specific brain areas. Enhancing brain cell function, promoting blood circulation and stimulating new neuron growth.
2. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS Brainwell+): A non-surgical device that uses magnetic waves to stimulate the brain and nervous system, focusing on safety, precise treatment, reduced side effects and maximized recovery efficiency. As well as saving patients both time and money.
The FAST test can help you remember what to do if you think someone is having a stroke.
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 drift downward?
S — Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T — Time: If you observe any of these signs, call an emergency right away. Early treatment is essential.
Contact Us for more information about TPS and TMS, the benefits for Stroke patients!
