A stroke happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or reduced. Without blood flow, brain cells don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need and begin to die within minutes. There are two main types of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, where a blood clot or blockage prevents blood from reaching parts of the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding that puts pressure on brain cells and damages them.

A stroke is a medical emergency, and getting treatment as soon as possible is critical. Quick action can help reduce brain damage and prevent serious complications. Fortunately, fewer people are dying from strokes than before, and effective treatments can help prevent long-term disabilities.

Symptoms of Stroke

If you or someone else may be having a stroke, time is crucial. Some treatments work best when given shortly after symptoms begin. Common signs of a stroke include:

Difficulty speaking or understanding: The person might slur their words, become confused, or have trouble understanding what others are saying.

Numbness or weakness: This typically affects one side of the body—face, arm, or leg. If they try to lift both arms, one arm might drop. Similarly, one side of the mouth may droop if they try to smile.

Vision problems: They may suddenly experience blurred vision, see
black spots, or have double vision

Severe headache: A sudden, intense headache, often with vomiting, dizziness, or a change in consciousness, can be a sign of stroke. Trouble walking: The person may stumble, lose balance, or feel
uncoordinated.

What are the risk factors?
There are many risk factors for stroke. You can treat or control some but not all of them.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Stroke

Controllable factors account for 82% to 90% of all strokes, meaning there are steps you can take to lower your risk. These factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet
• Smoking

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes share many common risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. However, each type of stroke also has specific risks:

• Blood clots : (common in ischemic strokes) can result from heart conditions like coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease, or carotid artery disease.
• Bleeding : (common in hemorrhagic strokes) can occur after taking blood thinners.

Other Risk Factors for Stroke

Your risk of stroke can also be influenced by your lifestyle, genetics, and environment:

• Age: Strokes can happen at any age, but the risk is highest in babies under 1 year old and increases as adults get older.
• Mental health: Anxiety, depression, high stress levels, working long hours, and social isolation can increase stroke risk.
• Family history and genetics: If a parent or family member had a stroke, especially at a young age, your risk is higher. Certain genes, including those that determine your blood type, can affect stroke risk. For example, people with blood type AB (which is uncommon) have a higher risk.
• Environment: Living or working in areas with air pollution increases stroke risk.
• Other medical conditions: Issues like sleep apnea, kidney disease, and migraines can raise stroke risk.
• Unhealthy habits: Drinking too much alcohol, sleeping more than 9 hours, and using drugs like cocaine can increase your chances of having a stroke.

For expert care and guidance in managing stroke and other neurological conditions, Dr. Srikanth is widely recognized as the Best neurologist in Miyapur, Hyderabad. With a deep understanding of brain health and extensive experience, Dr. Srikanth provides comprehensive stroke treatment, helping patients recover and improve their quality of life.