AVOID THAT STROKE :ACT TIMELY

DON’T BE A VICTIM

A stroke is a term used to describe a cerebrovascular disease.It results either from a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain or else from a blockage of the blood vessel that supplies the brain leading to brain damage.The former causes damage by producing bleeding around the brain cells(hemorrhage)or else can damage the brain cells due to lack of blood supply(infarct) leading to permanent disability like speech defect,weakness of limb etc.

    Strokes are the third commonest cause of death after cancer and heart ailments.These can be prevented and if brought in time to the concerned doctor can be treated as well.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE?

The common causes are

Ageing

Smoking

Blood pressure

Diabetes

Obesity

High fat content in the blood

Many people experience transient weakness of any limb or momentary visual impairment.These episodes in medical terminology are called transient ischemic attacks.Please don’t take them lightly as this may be the first indication of a stroke to happen.These symptoms may wane off in 24 hours giving a false sense of security to the patient.

   One must be thoroughly investigated especially a Doppler test of the carotid vessels become mandatory.In many instances the carotid Doppler shows significant obstruction in these patients.If neglected it  can ultimately lead to total paralysis or death.Such patients should see their vascular surgeon at the earliest .This is because if carotid obstruction is operated timely,a major stroke can be prevented.

Even if you had a stroke earlier with minimal disability you can   still be a candidate for carotid surgery to prevent further strokes.

 ISSUED IN PUBLIC INTEREST

       Dr Gaurav Singal M.S,DNB,FIVS(Dusseldorf,Germany)

       Senior Consultant &Chief

       Department of Vascular Surgery

       Ivy hospital,Mohali.(Pb.)

       Ph:9779780353