Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. It occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked and blood vessels are ruptured. This blockage or rupture prevents the brain from getting oxygen and nutrients in the blood. As a result, parts of the brain become damaged and brain cells will die within a few minutes.
Ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack are the three main types of stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when there is a blockage in the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain. On the other hand, a hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain ruptures. Too much pressure from the leaked blood causes damage to the brain. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is also known as “mini-stroke.” Unlike ischemic and hemorrhagic, the transient ischemic attack happens when the blood flow to the brain is blocked for a short period. It usually lasted no more than 5 minutes. This type of stroke is a warning sign for a future major stroke. To prevent this from happening, people can take steps by seeking immediate medical attention.
Many risk factors can increase the risk of stroke. Addressing risk factors of stroke can help in reducing the number of mortality related to this disease. Stroke risk factors include high blood pressures, being overweight, physical inactivity, drinking alcohol, smoking, and use of illegal drugs, high cholesterol, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Stroke can cause disabilities, and worst, death. Complications may arise depending on how long the brain lacks blood flow and which part was affected. Some of the complications may include paralysis, difficulty talking or swallowing, memory loss, difficulty in controlling emotions, pain, numbness, and headache accompanied by dizziness or vomiting.
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing or know someone experiencing a stroke you have to act fast and call the emergency hotline right away. In any minute, the brain becomes damaged that may cause the death of the person. It is also important for us to recognize the early signs and symptoms of stroke to prevent further complications and death. Moreover, it is also important that we will follow the 10 Kumainments to prevent stroke, particularly Kumainment Nos. 8 (Hinay-hinay sa maaalat, mamantika at matatamis), 9 (Panatilihin ang tamang timbang) and 10 (Maging aktibo. Iwasan ang alak; huwag manigarilyo).
-PNC-ZDN Rowence F. Zorilla
References:
1. Everything You Need to Know About Stroke
https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke
2. Mayo Clinic-Stroke
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
