Stroke: Myths Vs Facts

There are several myths regarding stroke and its management. Some of the myths vs facts are given below.Best Neurologist Delhi/NCR have been interviewed about some myths and they answered the facts behind those myths.

Myth: Stoke is a disease of elderly, young people do not develop stroke

Fact: Stroke is not only a disease of elderly. Stroke can also happen in young people. There are several risk factors for stoke including modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Diabetes, hypertension, family history, smoking, abnormal lipid levels etc. are the risk factors for stroke. Young people having these risk factors can develop stroke. Because of the belief that stoke does not happen in young age, they are more likely to ignore the symptoms.

Myth: The symptoms of stoke cannot be easily recognized.

Fact: Symptoms of stoke are easy to recognize. Remember the word “FAST” i.e Face, Arm, Speech and Time. The symptoms for suspecting stoke include facial droop, weakness in the arm and /or leg and slurred speech. If these symptoms are observed, the patient should be shifted to hospital’s emergency department at the earliest.

Myth: Stroke is same as seizure:

Fact: stroke and seizure are two different neurological conditions. Stroke occurs because of reduced blood supply to the brain or bleeding in the brain whereas seizure is either a physical change or behavioral change because of abnormal and excessive electrical discharges in the brain. Seizures can occur as a result of stroke.

Myth: Taking a tablet or aspirin can treat the stroke at home

Fact: if there are symptoms of stroke, aspirin should not be taken without asking a doctor because some people may have stroke because of bleeding in the brain. Taking aspirin tablet can in fact make the condition worse, it is a hemorrhagic stroke. Medicines should not be taken without asking the doctor.

Myth: There is no treatment for stoke

Fact: Ischemic stroke(stroke due to reduced blood supply to the brain due to clot) is the most common type of stroke.Acuteischemic stroke can be treated by giving thrombolytic agent which breaks the clot; however, the benefit of this therapy is time dependent. If the person reaches hospital after 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms, the benefits are usually not seen. Time is the essence in stoke management patient should reach the hospital within the “golden period” of onset of symptoms.

Myth: Stoke cannot be prevented

Fact: Stroke can be prevented by lifestyle modifications. Control of blood pressure, blood sugar and body eight are effective measures to reduce risk of stroke. High level of cholesterol, heart rhythm irregularities should be treated. Healthy diet (less saturated fat, trans fat, plentiful of fruits and vegetables and fibers) is useful to remain healthy.

For further information regarding any kind of your query do consults the top-class Neurosurgeons in Faridabad