Stay ahead of "STROKE". Prevention is the KEY. October 29th World Stroke Day

World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 each year. It is a day that focuses worldwide attention on raising awareness and educating people about stroke, one of the leading causes of death and disability globally. The aim of World Stroke Day is to emphasize the importance of prevention, prompt medical care, and rehabilitation following a stroke.

Stroke is a dangerous health condition and a major cause of death worldwide. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods is crucial for maintaining a healthy brain.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke, also known as a “cerebrovascular accident” occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted, which may be caused by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. This condition causes brain cells to die rapidly and can affect bodily functions such as speech or movement. Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to minimize brain damage.

Effects on the Brain from Lack of Blood Supply

When the brain is deprived of blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. The resulting effects can include the loss of certain bodily functions, such as speech, movement, or cognition, depending on the affected part of the brain. This brain damage can be permanent if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of Stroke

Stroke symptoms can appear suddenly and may include weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness, or loss of balance. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Self and Others' Early Symptom Observation

Early observation of stroke symptoms is crucial. If you or someone close to you experiences these symptoms, simple tests can be done, such as raising both arms to see if one arm drops or asking the person to say a simple sentence to check for communication difficulties. If any abnormalities are detected, contact a doctor immediately.

Causes and Risk Factors of Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts, depriving the brain of essential blood and oxygen. This can happen suddenly, putting the patient at risk of losing brain function and movement. The main causes include:

  • High blood pressure: A major risk factor that causes blood vessels to harden and increases the risk of rupture.
  • High cholesterol: Leads to narrowed blood vessels, making them more prone to blockage.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing stroke.
  • Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke or paralysis.
  • Heart disease: Conditions like irregular heartbeat or other heart diseases can cause blood clots, which can travel to the brain and block blood vessels.

Warning Signs of Stroke

Stroke symptoms can be easily recognized using the BEFAST principle

  • B: Balance
    The patient may lose balance or experience severe dizziness, resulting in unsteady standing or walking. This can occur suddenly and without warning.
  • E: Eyes
    This symptom involves vision abnormalities, such as double vision, loss of vision in one eye, or sudden blurred vision.
  • F: Face Drooping
    This symptom is noticeable when one side of the patient’s face droops or becomes asymmetrical, especially when the patient smiles or shows facial expressions. There is often a visible sagging of the muscles on one side of the face, such as a drooping mouth, or the inability to move certain facial muscles normally.
  • A: Arm Weakness
    The patient may experience weakness in one arm or leg on one side of the body. To check, ask the patient to raise both arms. You may notice that one arm cannot be lifted as high as the other or becomes weak quickly. This symptom can also affect the legs, leading to abnormal walking or balance issues.
  • S: Speech Difficulty
    The patient may have trouble speaking, such as slurred speech, a change in voice, or, in some cases, may not be able to speak at all. Additionally, the patient may not understand complex sentences. Ask them to respond to simple questions to observe any abnormalities in speech and comprehension.
  • T: Time to Call Emergency Services
    If any of the symptoms mentioned in the FAST principle are present, do not wait. Take the patient to the hospital immediately to receive urgent treatment. Time is crucial in reducing brain damage and improving recovery chances. Receiving treatment within the first 4.5 hours is essential for increasing the effectiveness of medical intervention.

Prevention and Treatment of Stroke

Stroke Prevention

  • Control Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is the most significant risk factor for stroke. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and lifestyle changes such as reducing salt and fat intake, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed antihypertensive medication as advised by a doctor can help lower the risk of stroke.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of stroke because the toxins in cigarettes damage the blood vessels and increase the chance of blood clots. Quitting smoking not only helps prevent stroke but also improves overall health.
  • Control Blood Sugar Levels: People with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels within a normal range to reduce the risk of stroke. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help improve blood sugar control.
  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system. Light exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling are great ways to prevent stroke and improve overall health.
  • Eat a Healthy Diet: Consuming a nutritious diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats from fish can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Avoiding foods high in trans fats and saturated fats helps lower the risk of stroke.
  • Control Cholesterol Levels: Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial in preventing stroke. Taking cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins, under a doctor’s supervision, can help reduce the risk.

Stroke Treatment

Identifying the Root Cause of Stroke

Identifying the root cause of a stroke can be done through brain scans, such as CT or MRI, which allow doctors to clearly see the damage to the brain and blood vessels. Additionally, blood tests and electrocardiograms (ECGs) can help determine other underlying risk factors.

Identifying the root cause of a stroke is crucial for treatment and preventing recurrence. These examinations help doctors accurately diagnose the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment for the patient.

"STROKE" The Silent Danger. Don’t Wait for Symptoms!

Special Price!

Stroke Risk Assessment Package: Prevent and Reduce the Risk Before Paralysis or Stroke

Basic Stroke screening program

Carotid Artery Ultrasound Screening Program

Advance Stroke screening program

Carotid Artery Ultrasound Screening Program and Comprehensive Brain Assessment, Including Tumor Detection via Brain MRI

Checklist

Complete Blood Count ความสมบูรณ์ของเม็ดเลือด

Glucose (Fasting) ระดับน้ำตาลในเลือด

Glycated Hb (HbA1c) ระดับน้ำตาลเฉลี่ยสะสม

Lipid set (Chol, Tri, HDL, LDL) ระดับไขมันในเลือด

AST (Aspatate Transaminese) ตรวจการทำงานของตับ

ALT (Alanine  Transaminese) ตรวจการทำงานของตับ

Creatinine (plus eGFR) ตรวจการทำงานของไต

VDRL/RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin)

Chest PA เอกซเรย์บริเวณทรวงอก

EKG (ECG Cardiac) คลื่นไฟฟ้าหัวใจ

Ultrasound Carotid Artery อัลตร้าซาวน์หลอดเลือดคอ

Physician Evaluation (Neuro) ตรวจร่างกายโดยแพทย์เฉพาะทาง

Suitable for Individuals with Risk Factors

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Family history of stroke
  • Individuals with a history of chronic brain-related symptoms, such as chronic headaches or chronic dizziness

* The price includes doctor fees and hospital service charges

Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke, Lung Cancer Screening package

Take good care of these 3 vital organs that work hard every day, with a special check-up package by specialized doctors.

  • Cardiovascular disease screening test : Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
  • Coronary calcium scan: CT Calcium Score
  • Lung cancer screening: CT Chest Low Dose

This package includes

  • Physical Examination by Cardiologist
  • CT Chest Low Dose for Lung Cancer Screening
  • CT Calcium Score for Coronary Artery Diseases Screening 
  • Ultrasound Carotid for Stroke Screening

Condition :

Please make an appointment prior to using the service.

 

Pre service :

[BNH RISK SCORE] Coronary Heart Disease Risk Assessment

Post service :

Follow your doctor’s instructions and see your doctor for follow-up appointments.

Remarks : 

Inclusive of doctor’s fee and hospital and nursing services fee

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