All about stroke, one of the biggest causes of death in the world

The stroke – popularly known as “brain stroke” or stroke – is one of the diseases that kill most in Brazil and in the world. Most cases occur without warning, making stroke a silent enemy.

In this post, the awesome.club shows the main symptoms and brings basic tips to help you recognize a stroke in time.

Doctors distinguish two types of stroke: hemorrhagic, which is caused by bleeding due to a ruptured blood vessel; and ischemic – necrosis, the most common, which is caused by the lack of blood in a certain area of the brain, due to the obstruction of an artery.

An ischemic stroke can appear without clear symptoms and occur unnoticed🇧🇷 Therefore, it is often called a “silent stroke”.

According to medical statistics, the ischemic type, being the most common, represents a total of up to 80% of all strokes. According to the National Association of Cerebral Vascular Accidents of Portugal, in that country, almost half of the victims (37%) die. Another 31% suffer sequelae to the point where they need help to take care of themselves and 20% cannot walk alone.

What happens during a stroke?

The most common cause of an ischemic stroke is a thrombus, a fatty deposit, or a spasm that blocks blood flow to an area of the brain. The tissues around the obstructed vessel swell and space in the skull is limited, thus increasing intracranial pressure. Therefore, one of the common symptoms that accompany a “silent stroke” is the headache🇧🇷

The increased pressure affects the entire brain. During the development of a stroke, the arms and legs may not function in the usual way and coordination of movement, orientation in space, hearing, speech or language may be affected. In severe cases, even hallucinations may occur.

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Over time, blood is distributed to neighboring veins and arteries. The edema subsides, the headache disappears, and the nervous system begins to slowly recover. Some of its functions are lost.

In non-serious cases, memory of the previous day or events that occurred 10 years ago is lost. In more severe cases, the person can stay forever in a bed or in a wheelchair.

However, timely detection of a cerebral infarction is possible and can reduce the damage caused by such an accident.

Symptoms of a “Silent Accident”

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on just one side of the body. Confusion of consciousness, problems with speech and comprehension. Problems with vision in one or both eyes. Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Severe headache that comes on suddenly and for no specific reason.

There may be no difference between the symptoms of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke and incorrect treatment can lead to death. Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.

Other symptoms that require more attention

Headache that generates nausea and even loss of orientation in space. Stiffness in the neck muscles Vomiting Darkness in the eyes, appearance of sparks, rainbows, or snowflake-like grains in the field of vision. Long fixation of vision on a specific point without external causes.

These symptoms can indicate either a stroke or other illnesses.

What to do if you suspect a stroke?

Ask the person to smile. Check to see if one side of the face or mouth is “droopy”. Ask lift both arms. See if an arm drops. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, read a children’s poem. Make sure the person pronounces the words clearly and repeats the sentence correctly.

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If any of these symptoms manifest, you should take her to the hospital or call the rescue as soon as possible. Medical care within the first few hours after the onset of alarming symptoms is the main thing to do, which can either prevent the person from having a stroke or allow for a successful recovery. Useful telephones: SAMU (192); Firefighters: 193. In Portugal: European Emergency Number: 112.

Even doctors often find it difficult to discover the cause of a sudden deterioration in a person’s condition. If you notice that someone in your family, or even an acquaintance, shows some of these symptoms, call an ambulance and follow the operator’s instructions until they arrive.