Health: Some Myths About Stroke

Stroke is a condition of acute and dramatic loss of function of one or more parts of the body. It occurs due to sudden cessation of the blood supply of specific part or parts of the brain. This leads to death of tissues of that particular part. As the brain is the chief executive of the body, damage to any portion of the brain results in paralysis of the affected part. The severity of the paralysis and subsequent recovery depends on the blood vessel affected and opening of collateral circulation from adjacent blood vessels. If a major cerebral artery (supplying blood to the brain) is occluded and the affected part does not receive adequate blood from adjoining smaller vessels, it gets damaged. But if any small blood vessel gets blocked, damage is much less in intensity and rapid recovery occurs. In the commonest form of stroke, there is paralysis of limbs on one side along with face on the same or opposite side. In other forms of stroke, one can have visual defects, convulsions, paralysis of only one limb, e.t.c. If the frontal or parietal lobe of the brain is affected, there may be no paralysis but the person suddenly becomes apathetic to his surroundings. The speech area may be involved, resulting in sudden mutism. Due to ignorance, many myths occur in the mind of the people regarding stroke, because of which proper treatment and subsequent follow up and care are often hampered. As such when somebody has a stroke it is very frightening for the onlooker. Because a healthy individual suddenly develop paralysis of one side of the body or one limb. The innocent folks often consider it to be witch craft done by somebody and spend their time in going to, “witch doctors”. If there is paralysis of only one or both limbs, it is considered by some people to be a form of, “rheumatism.” Rheumatism or arthritis is a condition of pain and inflammation of the joints. Here an individual is unable to move his limbs due to severe pain but the strength of limbs is maintained.Like any other topic, much information is available on the internet about stroke also. Many people gather half knowledge about it and form their own impressions about stroke. Recently the spouse of a patient was arguing with me, that though her husband was given aspirin and other anti clotting drugs, within an hour, why the paralyzed limbs did not recover. Actually, one comes to know about a stroke only when it manifests in the form of paralysis. Drugs like aspirin, streptokinase, e.t.c., are given immediately to break the clot already formed and prevent its further extension. But the damage incurred remains, unless blood circulation to that part is restored. Stroke occurs due to a clot occluding a blood vessel or bleeding from one of the vessels. Hypertension and diabetes are risk factors for stroke, along with alcohol consumption and smoking, this is commonly known by people. So if a person does not have any of these and still gets paralysis, he and his family feel much perturbed. But people should know that deposition of fat in the inner lining of blood vessels(atherosclerosis), is one of the major reasons for stroke. This is common in all people middle aged and above irrespective of diabetes and hypertension. It is a natural process aggravated by fats in the food, lack of exercise, smoking and alcoholism. Physical and mental stress also contribute to stroke. So it is indeed unfortunate if somebody develops a stroke. Diagnosis is made clinically and by scans of the brain. After that, treatment is initiated which is to prevent further lesion. Rest, one has to wait patiently for normal strength to return in paralyzed limbs. This may take any time from weeks to months or years, depending on size of brain damage. Physiotherapy is useful in improving the muscle tone and strength gradually. If the family cannot avail professional help, a family member can also do some physiotherapy at home. All is needed is slow and smooth movements of the paralyzed limb in all directions, This should start from a minimum number say 5 times one time and then gradually the number and time can be increased slowly over 5 to 7 times. Good nursing care is important to prevent bed sores and other infections in a physically helpless person.In case the stroke is due to a blood clot, recovery is fairly good. But if there has been hemorrhage in a major blood vessel, mostly people succumb to it within 2 to 3 days. Therefore it is vital for people to know about the true facts regarding stroke. As soon as a person develops any signs he should be taken to nearest medical center. E-mail-rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk