Chennai: With an increase in the incidences of stroke among youngsters, there are several treatments evolved. However rehabilitation post-stroke is not given impetus. Identifying the symptoms of stroke and giving importance to rehabilitation after its first occurrence, can save an individual’s life preventing recurrence.
Stroke is an attack on the brain caused by the interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. When blood flow is denied to the brain for longer than a few seconds and the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, brain cells can die, and the abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost.
As per estimates, there are more than 18 lakh stroke cases occur in the country, with around 15 percent of the cases occurring to people in their 30s and 40s. There is a need to create awareness on the fact that the first 90 days, also called the ‘Golden Period’, in post-stroke rehabilitation are vital, say medicos.
“There is a need to educate people about -BE FAST approach to identify signs of stroke so that immediate medical attention can be provided. The BE FAST approach is an acronym for signs of a stroke like Balance loss, Eye sight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call stroke center.
If the stroke is detected early, effective treatment could be given in time to prevent long term disabilities,” says Dr Dinesh Nayak, neurologist, Fortis Malar. Common risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, family history of heart disease and stroke. Other risks include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia.
Dr K.K. Aggarwal, president, Heart Care Foundation of India says that anyone with symptoms of stroke must be hospitalized at the earliest and given a clot dissolving therapy. Despite being easy to identify by common people, these issues are not controlled efficiently due to low awareness among them.
