A brain attack, or stroke, is among the top three causes of death worldwide and the leading reason for long-term disability. What’s worrying is that only a few per cent of stroke patients in metro cities reach a hospital within the critical six-hour “golden window.” In smaller towns, the number drops even less. Even more concerning, strokes are increasingly affecting younger adults under 50, who now make up nearly 15–20% of all cases.Recognising stroke symptoms early can save lives. The BEFAST rule is a simple way to remember the warning signs. If someone suddenly loses balance, has blurred vision, facial drooping, weak limbs, or slurred speech, it’s time to rush them to the nearest stroke-ready hospital immediately.
Timely action can make all the difference, because when it comes to a brain attack, every minute counts, and time truly is brain.
How to recognize Brain attack (Stroke)
Recognize the brain attack with following symptoms and take the patient to nearest brain attack equipped hospital at the earliest.BEFAST Reminder of Stroke SignsB – BalanceIs the person suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination?E – EyesIs the person experiencing suddenly blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain?F – Face DroopingDoes one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.A- Arm WeaknessIs one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?S – Speech DifficultyIs speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?T – Time to call Nearest HospitalIf the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call and get them to the nearest stroke ready hospital immediately.Prevention is better than cure – Five Simple, evidence based ways to keep your Brain attack (stroke) proof
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1. Control of high Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the single most important modifiable risk factor in the prevention of brain stroke. It is recommended that blood pressure should be maintained below 130/80 mmHg by following simple steps like reducing salt intake, regular exercises and good treatment compliance with antihypertensive medications. It is known that a drop in blood pressure of 10 mmHg can lead to nearly 40% reduction in stroke risk.
2. One needs to get up and get moving
Sedentary lifestyles leads to increase incidence and prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. This further fastens the cholesterol plaque deposition in the brain blood vessels and elevates the stroke risk. Shunning sedentary lifestyle and adopting moderate-intensity physical activity per week for at least 150 minutes or more like brisk walking, cycling, and yoga practice will lower the risk of stroke and also controlling your diabetes and hypertension.
3. Mindful eating for brain health
What we eat, determines our vascular and brain health. Specific diets like Indian diet (rich in antioxidants, low carbohydrate and fat with high protein), The Mediterranean and DASH diets are scientifically proven for stroke prevention. These diets are inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy low fats in adequate amount. It is strongly recommended to avoid foods rich in trans fats, processed foods and foods rich in excess sugar as they hasten the process of deposition of high cholesterol as well as in the blood vessels. Low carbohydrate diet help in controlling your diabetes which is very important risk factor of brain attack (stroke)
4. Addictions like smoking and alcohol need to be quit.
Cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents. Quitting smoking will be a great service to the brain health as it reaps the benefits of reducing the stroke risk to nearly half of that of a smoker within two years of abstaining from smoking. Alcohol should be taken in moderation by both men and women. Excessive drinking is known to trigger sudden increase in blood pressure and arrhythmias (heart rhythm abnormalities) which can increase the risk of brain stroke exponentially.
5. Sleep management and a good night’s rest.
Long term stress, poor sleep and sleep apnea are emerging as key causes of stroke occurrence. Cortisol, a stress hormone, raises blood pressure and blood sugar levels. One should take up activities like meditation and deep breathing exercises so as to maintain mental and cardiovascular health. Getting a good night’s rest and treating sleep apnea is equally important, as sleep deprivation have been strongly correlated to stroke and significant decline in cognition and attention. Stroke preventive measures require simple, consistent and conscientious lifestyle changes including regular checking your blood pressure at home, keeping oneself active and moving, avoiding stress as much as possible, preferring home cooked healthy food rich in vitamins and antioxidants and low carbohydrate and fat and getting adequate 6–8 hours of sleep daily. On the occasion of World Stroke Day, one needs to take the pledge to follow these recommendations in the best interest of their brain safety.One in Four Strokes (Brain attack) is Preventable — Be the One Who Prevents It because Time is Brain.(Dr Puneet Agarwal, Principal Director, Neurology, Max Superspecialty Hospital, Saket)
