Symptoms

How do they present?

• The patient may be totally asymptomatic or there may be warning signs like mini-stroke lasting a few minutes to a few hours — Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• Sudden loss of vision in one eye
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face.
• Sudden slurred speech making it difficult to understand
• Sudden loss of coordination
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Sudden difficulty in swallowing
• Sudden severe headache with unknown cause

When to see a doctor

Should you experience any of the above complaints go to the casualty because you are in danger of developing a full-fledged stroke.

What is a stroke?

This is also called ‘brain attack’ and occurs when the artery to the brain is blocked leading to the stoppage of blood flow and therefore lack of oxygen. Since the brain cannot store oxygen, therefore, it needs a constant supply of oxygenated blood and nutrients. When the blood supply is cut off for 3-4 minutes brain tissue begins to die leading to a stroke.

In which conditions will stroke occur?

• If the artery becomes narrowed or blocked by plaque.
• A blood clot travels to the artery and blocks it
• The artery in the brain bursts due to high blood pressure cutting the blood supply to the brain.