World Stroke Day is observed this Tuesday. Strokes can occur for various reasons, with cerebral ischemia being one of the most common, which occurs due to the obstruction of an artery that supplies blood flow to the brain. This can manifest through symptoms such as loss of control of certain muscles or difficulty speaking or swallowing.
"A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention," emphasizes Dr. Marcelo Cácer, cardiologist at OSPEDYC. A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain stops, which can cause severe damage, permanent disability, and even death if not treated in time.
Risk factors include being over 55 years old, family history of heart disease, or factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, among others. Symptoms of a stroke can range from difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, to sudden and severe headache.
There are two types of strokes, ischemic and hemorrhagic, each with specific therapeutic approaches. Treatment may include angioplasty procedures, blood pressure control, or surgery. Complications of a stroke depend on how long the brain remains without blood flow and the affected areas, potentially causing anything from loss of muscle movement to brain hemorrhages.
Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence of strokes, as well as the rapid identification of symptoms and emergency medical attention. Education on risk factors, symptoms, and early intervention is key to improving outcomes and reducing the sequelae associated with this condition, which can cause irreversible damage to the brain.
