Doctor busts 7 myths about strokes

There are a lot of misconceptions and myths around the risk of having a stroke. While the ailment should be taken with all seriousness, it is also important to consider the facts that prevail over this dreadful health issue, in order to better manage and prevent its occurrence.

Myth: Strokes only happen to elderly people

The fact is that the incidence of stroke does increase with age. However, 21 percent of strokes due to bleeding, and 16 percent of strokes due to clotting, occur in those under 45 years of age.

Myth: Strokes are rare

When it comes to strokes, the gravity of the situation has no correlation with its rarity. Almost one-fourth of adults over 25 years of age, will have a stroke during their lifetime

Myth: Strokes are not preventable

Strokes can be attributed to vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. All these risk factors can be identified by regular health check-ups. When diagnosed, they can be mitigated with lifestyle modification, regular exercise, diet, and the use of appropriate medications.

Myth: Strokes cannot be treated

The vast majority of strokes are ischemic, which are caused by blood clots, and they can be treated effectively. If a person comes to the hospital within 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms, a clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator can be given, which may prevent further worsening of the condition.

Myth: All strokes are caused by blood clots

While around 80 per cent of strokes are caused by blood clots, about 20 per cent are caused by rupture of blood vessels, leading to bleeding in the brain.

Myth: If the symptoms of stroke abate in a few minutes or hours, nothing more needs to be done

If the symptoms of a stroke are transient and improve rapidly, the person remains at risk for a recurrent stroke, which can be more severe and devastating. This is called a ‘Transient Ischemic Attack’ (TIA). The risk is high for the next few days to weeks. This calls for a detailed evaluation to assess the risk of recurrence, and appropriate measures instituted to prevent the same.

Myth: Pain is a common symptom of stroke

The symptoms of stroke include sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, double vision, uneven smile or weakness on one side of the face, inability to raise both arms evenly, and slurred speech or difficulty repeating simple phrases.In the event that someone has any of these symptoms, they should be rushed to the nearest hospital with stroke care specialists. This will ensure that treatment is administered at the earliest, as any delay will mean further loss of brain cells and possible life-long disability.