What is a stroke? Terms and synonyms

A stroke is defined as the blockage of blood flow in the arteries that nourish the brain. It also refers to bleeding that occurs within the brain itself or in the membranes surrounding it.

The term “stroke” is commonly used, but expressions such as apoplexy, cerebral infarction, cerebrovascular accident, or ictus are considered synonyms.

There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic, with the vast majority being ischemic in nature.

Stroke prevention

As outlined in previous sections, the risk factors for a stroke can be very diverse, with studies showing that 80% of strokes can be prevented by controlling those risk factors. The best measures for prevention include:

1. Control blood pressure. Keep it below 135 systolic and 85 diastolic.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Incorporate regular exercise and a diet low in salt, sugars, and fats.
3. Avoid tobacco use and minimize stress as much as possible.
4. Reduce alcohol consumption.
5. Monitor pulse irregularities.

Symptoms of a stroke

Identifying the symptoms of a stroke is crucial. Time is a key factor and will influence the patient’s future condition.

The F.A.S.T. protocol is very useful for determining whether a patient is having a stroke, so they can be assisted at a medical center as quickly as possible.

The main symptoms of a stroke are:

1. Numbness, tingling, or weakness on one side of the face.
2. Confusion, difficulty speaking, or understanding others’ speech.
3. Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
4. Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
5. Severe headache with no known cause.

The brain functions as a control panel that manages everything we do: speaking, walking, breathing, and more. If, due to a stroke, a specific area of the brain does not receive the necessary oxygen, that part of the body may be affected. This is why strokes can cause problems with movement, vision, speech, and other functions.

Risk factors

Some of the factors for having a stroke cannot be modified through medical treatment or lifestyle changes, such as:

1. Age: studies show that the risk of having a stroke doubles with each decade between the ages of 55 and 85.
2. Sex: men have a higher risk of having a stroke, but more women die from it.
3. Race: certain ethnic groups are at higher risk. The incidence is higher among African Americans and Hispanic Americans compared to Caucasians.
4. Family history: members of a family may have a genetic tendency toward risk factors. This includes a family history of high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes.

Aun así, existen una serie de factores que si podremos controlar en nuestro día a día, que son muy importantes y que hay que combatir para prevenir un derrame cerebral, como son:

1. Hipertensión arterial (HTA): es el principal factor de riesgo para sufrir un derrame cerebral. En este sentido, se recomienda mantener una presión sistólica y diastólica estable a partir del consumo oportuno de medicamentos antihipertensivos y alimentación saludable.
2. Diabetes: se recomienda niveles de glucosa de 126 mg/dl o menores. Así mismo, la dieta saludable puede contribuir a controlar los niveles de glicemia y sodio.
3. Tabaquismo: la nicotina contiene radicales libres así como dióxido de carbono que dañan el endotelio modificando su estructura, permitiendo el paso de moléculas como los lípidos (grasas), formación de placas de ateroma. De igual forma, el tabaco puede aumentar la viscosidad de la sangre, incrementando la probabilidad de la formación de un coágulo.
4. Dislipidemias: la obesidad o sobrepeso, el sedentarismo y todos los factores asociados a una vida poco saludable, son los principales actores en la formación de placas de ateromas que aparecen como consecuencia de daño endotelial y exceso de grasa.

Treatment

Stroke treatment must begin as soon as possible. In this case, lost time equals damaged brain tissue. For every hour that passes after a stroke occurs, the brain ages the equivalent of four years.

Immediate medical assistance is required in specialized units, where tests are conducted to quickly identify the exact cause of the stroke in order to begin the appropriate treatment.

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