Iran (IMNA) - Strokes are primarily classified into two main types: ischemic stroke, caused by obstruction of cerebral blood vessels, and hemorrhagic stroke, resulting from rupture of brain vessels and internal bleeding. Additionally, there is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a milder form of stroke that serves as an important warning sign for future cerebrovascular events.
The onset of stroke symptoms is typically abrupt and may include sudden weakness or numbness in the face or limbs, especially affecting one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, visual disturbances such as blurring or loss of vision in one or both eyes, severe dizziness, and sudden, unexplained headache. Prompt recognition and immediate medical attention are essential, as every minute of delay in treatment can result in significant brain damage or death.
Certain stroke risk factors are non-modifiable, including advanced age, sex, family history, and some genetic disorders. Awareness of these factors is important for heightened vigilance and preventive care. Conversely, modifiable risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. These include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress. Identifying and managing these factors substantially reduce the risk of stroke.
The Critical Time Window for Stroke Treatment
Dr. Fariborz Khorvash, professor of Neurology and Fellowship in headache and facial pain, emphasizes the significance of stroke as a leading cause of disability and mortality. He highlights that timely intervention dramatically influences outcomes. He stresses the importance of public awareness regarding stroke symptoms, which often manifest as sudden motor, sensory, speech, or balance disturbances, frequently accompanied by abnormal dizziness and diplopia.
Effective treatment is most likely when patients present to equipped medical centers within 3 to 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Administration of appropriate thrombolytic therapy within this golden period can restore vessel patency in approximately 30% of cases and significantly mitigate subsequent neurological deficits.
Prevention Strategies
Dr. Khorvash underlines that the maximum recommended interval for seeking medical care after symptom onset is 4.5 hours. Earlier intervention increases the likelihood of symptom improvement and reduces adverse effects, such as the risk of bleeding associated with thrombolytic drugs.
The cornerstone of stroke prevention is the control of modifiable risk factors, with hypertension being the predominant and often underdiagnosed risk factor. Many hypertensive individuals are unaware of their condition or do not adequately manage it. Regular blood pressure monitoring and maintaining values within the normal range markedly reduce stroke risk. In addition, stringent management of diabetes mellitus is crucial.
Adherence to a healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in stroke prevention. Recommendations include a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reduced intake of salt, fats, and sugars, cessation of smoking, regular physical activity, weight management, and avoidance of excessive alcohol consumption. Regular medical follow-up for monitoring blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid levels is essential.
Rapid Response to Stroke Symptoms
Preparedness to respond swiftly to stroke symptoms can be lifesaving. Immediate contact with emergency services upon recognition of warning signs is imperative. Early administration of clot-dissolving agents has the greatest efficacy within the first hours of symptom onset; hence, time is a critical factor determining the extent of brain injury and recovery potential.
Public education on stroke risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures plays a fundamental role in reducing the incidence and severity of stroke. Targeted training, particularly among high-risk populations, facilitates quicker recognition and timely medical intervention, thereby improving patient outcomes.
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