Stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is reduced consequence blockage (ischemic stroke) or rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without blood, the brain will not get oxygen and nutrients, so the cells in the brain area affected will quick dead.
Stroke is a medical emergency because brain cells can die in just minutes. The death of brain cells causes parts of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain to not function properly. Prompt treatment can minimize the level of damage to the brain and the possibility of complications.
Based on the findings of a number of studies, it is suspected that COVID-19 has the potential to cause ischemic stroke. Therefore, if you need a COVID-19 check, click on the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Symptoms and Causes of Stroke
Symptoms of stroke can be different for each sufferer, but the most common symptoms are:
- One or both arms feel weak to the point where you can't move
- Difficulty speaking
- One side of the face looks down
In addition, stroke patients may also experience other symptoms such as tingling, difficulty recognizing faces (prosopagnosia).
The causes of stroke vary widely, ranging from the result of a blood clot in a blood vessel in the brain, rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, high blood pressure, to the influence of blood-thinning drugs.
Stroke is very risky for people with high blood pressure (especially malignant hypertension), high cholesterol, overweight, and diabetes. The same risk can also occur in people who lack exercise and have a habit of consuming alcohol or smoking.
Stroke Treatment and Prevention
Stroke treatment depends on the overall condition of the patient. Doctors can give medicines or perform surgery. Meanwhile, to recover the condition, the patient will be advised to undergo physiotherapy and psychological therapy if needed.
To prevent stroke, doctors recommend:
- Applying a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol
Stroke Complications
Stroke can cause various other health problems that can be life threatening, such as:
- Deep vein thrombosis or blood clots in the legs
- Hydrocephalus due to accumulation of fluid in the cavity of the brain
- Aspiration pneumonia due to the entry of food or drink into the respiratory tract