Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, resulting in brain damage.

It is a global health concern, impacting millions of individuals and families each year.

Also known as “cerebrovascular accident” or CVA, stroke can cause a wide range of physical and cognitive impairments, making stroke awareness an essential aspect of public health.

According to the World Health Organisation, stroke is responsible for over 11 per cent of total deaths worldwide.

It is also the leading cause of long-term disability, with survivors often facing challenges in mobility, cognition, and daily living activities.

Stroke disproportionately affects older adults, but it can strike at any age.

Understanding Strokes:

There are two major types of stroke:

1, Ischemic strokes, accounting for about 85 per cent of all strokes, occur when a blood clot obstructs a vessel supplying a part of the brain. This obstruction leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cell damage.

2, Haemorrhagic strokes, result from bleeding in the brain when a blood vessel ruptures. This type is less common but tends to be more severe.

Risk factors for stroke:

Multiple factors increase the risk of experiencing a stroke.

These include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol levels

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Family history of strokes

• Age (risk increases with age)

• Previous history of strokes or transient ischemic attacks

“Time is brain”

Owing to its high metabolic demand, the brain is very sensitive to a lack of blood and oxygen supply, and even a short interruption can potentially lead to an irreversible cerebral damage.

The extent of damage depends on factors such as the size of the affected area, the duration of the blood flow interruption, and the specific physiologic function of the compromised brain region.

Within just a few seconds of reduced blood and oxygen supply, brain cells (neurons) become stressed and begin to malfunction. If a stroke is not addressed promptly, brain tissue in the affected area can die within minutes to hours.

This emphasises the critical importance of rapid recognition and immediate medical intervention when stroke symptoms are observed.

"Time is Brain" is a commonly used phrase in stroke care, underscoring the urgency in seeking treatment to minimise or prevent irreversible cerebral injury.

Stroke awareness:

One of awareness tools used in the early recognition of a possible stroke is the “Be Fast” acronym. Here what each letter stands for:

Balance:

One of the early manifestations of stroke is loss of balance. It can result from weakness involving one side of the body when blood supply is interrupted to one of the brain “hemispheres”, or from a general imbalance related to a cut in blood perfusion to one or more of the brain balance centres, located in the base or the back of the head.

Eyes:

Sudden vision problems are common signs of a stroke. These problems may include blurred vision, double vision, or even a sudden loss of vision in one or rarely both eyes. Individuals experiencing a stroke may suddenly find it difficult to see clearly or may see two overlapping images. Vision issues can occur due to the disruption of blood flow to the eye or the visual processing areas of the brain.

Facial drooping:

Facial drooping is a distinct and visible sign of stroke. It typically occurs on one side of the face and is often accompanied by

facial numbness. When a person smiles or attempts to show their teeth, one side of the face may not respond as it should. This happens because the facial muscles on one side are weakened or paralysed.

Arm weakness:

An individual may suddenly experience weakness or numbness in one arm, making it difficult to lift or control. This symptom is often unilateral, affecting only one arm and not the other.

Speech difficulty:

It can manifest as slurred speech, the inability to form coherent words, difficulty pronouncing words, or trouble understanding spoken language. Speech problems occur when the areas of the brain responsible for language and/or speech comprehension are affected by the stroke.

Time to call 911:

The "Time to Call 911" element of Be Fast serves as a reminder of the urgency in responding to these symptoms. When any of the aforementioned signs are observed, it is imperative to call 911 immediately and The "Time to Call 911" element of Be Fast serves as a reminder of the urgency in responding to these symptoms.

When any of the aforementioned signs are observed, it is imperative to call 911 immediately and seek emergency medical attention. The faster a stroke victim receives medical care, the better the outcome is likely to be!

• Joe Yammine, MD, is a consultant cardiologist at the Bermuda Hospitals Board. The information here is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical opinion. Always seek the advice of your physician