Stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted due to a blockage or rupture of one of the blood vessels. This emergency condition causes brain cells that need oxygen and nutrients to be at risk of damage and death. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of stroke and taking immediate action for treatment can be life-saving.
Warning Signs of Stroke
Sudden drooping of one side of the face, weakness or numbness in the arms and legs, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and sudden blurred vision are among the symptoms that should not be ignored. Severe dizziness and balance disturbances can also be signs of a stroke. Upon observing these symptoms, even if they resolve after a few minutes, emergency services should be contacted without delay.
Read more: Bridal Dress and Slimming Injection; A New Way to Beauty on Wedding Night
Mehdi Farhoodi, a neurologist, emphasizes that stroke is the second leading cause of death in the country, and 80 to 90 percent of cases are preventable with primary prevention. He states, "Immediate patient referral during the golden hour of treatment can be effective in improving their condition." According to global statistics, one in four people will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
Risk Factors and Prevention of Stroke
Farhoodi pointed to factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, physical inactivity, and heart diseases as the most important risk factors for stroke and added, "Controlling these factors can play a significant role in preventing stroke." The age of onset for this disease has significantly decreased in recent years, indicating a need for greater awareness in society.
According to Ali Akbar Taheraghdam, another specialist in this field, strokes are divided into two main types: hemorrhagic stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, and ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage of blood vessels. The symptoms of this disease usually appear suddenly and can affect various functions.
Speech disturbances and drooping of one side of the face, inability to smile normally, and loss of vision in one eye are other warning signs of stroke. Taheraghdam emphasizes that if any of these signs appear suddenly, the possibility of a stroke should be taken seriously, and immediate action should be taken to receive emergency services.
Transporting the patient to medical centers by personal vehicle may result in losing the golden hour of treatment. In contrast, by contacting emergency services, the "code 724" is activated, and the medical team is prepared to take necessary actions as quickly as possible.
Medications for treating ischemic stroke, such as the "tPA" drug, can help dissolve blood clots if the patient arrives within a maximum of four and a half hours after the onset of symptoms. If the clot does not dissolve after administering this drug, there are also options for more advanced treatment methods.
Read more: Chairman of the Health and Treatment Commission: We are negotiating with the government about the cost of medicine and treatment · Mohammad Raiszadeh: The increase in drug prices is related to the problems of raw materials and their transportation
