Brain attack (stroke), said to be one of the leading causes of death and disability, is estimated to affect one in six people worldwide in their lifetime.
While the elderly population are more vulnerable to stroke, about 40 per cent of the youth population in our country is at a higher risk of stroke.
Unhealthy lifestyle
This can largely be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle, according to Dr. Halprashanth, Consultant Neurologist, Global Health City, Chennai.
Dr. Halprashanth said in a release that the inability of the youth to control risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol, and lack of physical activities or proper exercise, unhealthy food habits, alcohol intake, and tobacco chewing or cigarette smoking result in their vulnerability to stroke. He further said that the extreme outcomes of stroke such as death or permanent disability can be avoided by recognising the warning signs correctly and by seeking medical help immediately.
The consultant neurologist said that stroke can be recognised through one or more of the following symptoms: face drooping, weakness or numbness in arms or legs, and speech difficulty. Upon recognising the symptoms, one needs to seek medical help immediately.
The victim should be immediately taken to a hospital equipped with CT scan and is ably supported by a neurologist.
Within four to five hours of the onset of stroke symptoms, IVT drug must be administered in order to remove the clot in the vessel supplying blood to the brain. This way one can increase the chances of reversing the stroke either completely or partially, he said.
They are unable to control risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
