A stroke is also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or “brain attack.” Dr Benjamin Wedro defines stroke in an article published in 2019 titled “Stroke definition and facts”, as an occurrence when part of the brain loses its blood supply and the part of the body that the blood-deprived brain cells control stops working. This loss of blood supply can be ischemic because of lack of blood flow, or hemorrhagic because of bleeding into brain tissue. A stroke is a medical emergency because strokes can lead to death or permanent disability. According to the World Stroke Organization, there are three main types of strokes: Ischemic stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke and Transient ischemic attack and all involve blood deficiencies in the brain.
Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it is likely to worsen in developing countries over the next two decades based on projections by the World Health Organization (WHO). Findings from Komolafe et al in 2015 in their research, “Stroke risk factors among participants of a world stroke day awareness program in South-Western Nigeria” shows that the prevalence of crude stroke in Nigeria is 1.14 per 1000 while the 30-day case fatality rate is as high as 40%. There are over 13.7 million new strokes each year. Globally, one in four people over age 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime; with almost 60% of all strokes occurring in people under 70 years of age. Each year, 8% of all strokes occur in people under 44 years of age, 52% in men and 48% in women. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in men. Men are more likely to have a stroke in their younger years than women, but they’re less likely to die from it, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), however, men and women can have some of the same signs and symptoms.
Having a stroke is one of the most frightening prospects of ageing. Strokes can come on suddenly, stealing the use of an arm or the ability to speak. According to a 2019 WebMD publication, about half of all strokes are caused by atherosclerosis — the same process of narrowing and hardening of the arteries that causes heart attacks. Atherosclerosis progresses silently, without symptoms, putting our brains and our independence at risk. Each type of stroke has a different set of potential causes. Generally, however, stroke is more likely to affect a person if they: have overweight or obesity; are 55 years of age or older; have a personal or family history of stroke; have high blood pressure; have diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease, carotid artery disease, or another vascular disease; are sedentary, consume alcohol excessively, smoke, or use illicit drugs.
Stroke treatment depends on the type of stroke. For Ischemic strokes and TIA which are caused by blood clots or other blockages in the brain, use of anticoagulants and clot breaking drugs are used for their treatment. Other treatment options include mechanical thrombectomy, stents and surgery. For hemorrhagic strokes which are caused by bleeds or leaks in the brain, medication, coiling procedure, clamping and surgery are usually done (Healthline, 2019).
Knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor’s recommendations and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke. If you’ve had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), these measures might help prevent another stroke. The follow-up care you receive in the hospital and afterwards also play a vital role.
