Stroke Inducement: Can Humans Cause Strokes In Others?

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain, resulting in brain cells dying due to a lack of oxygen. While strokes are not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another, certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of experiencing one. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected and can range from weakness or numbness on one side of the body to difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or controlling emotions. Immediate medical attention is critical to preventing permanent damage or death, and the faster the treatment, the more likely the person will recover without disability.

Risk factors for stroke

While a stroke is caused by blocked blood flow to the brain or bleeding in the brain, there are several risk factors that can increase the chances of having a stroke. These risk factors can be categorized into two groups: those that can be changed or managed, and those that cannot.

• High blood pressure: Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the brain.
• Heart disease: This is the second most important risk factor for stroke and is the major cause of death among stroke survivors.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes have a greater risk of stroke than those without.
• Smoking: Smoking almost doubles the risk of an ischemic stroke.
• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives): Women who take birth control pills are at a higher risk.
• History of TIAs (transient ischemic attacks): People who have had a TIA, or "mini-stroke," are almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex who hasn't.
• High red blood cell count: A significant increase in red blood cells thickens the blood and makes clots more likely, increasing the risk of stroke.
• High blood cholesterol and lipids: High cholesterol levels can contribute to the thickening or hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) caused by a buildup of plaque, which can decrease blood flow to the brain.
• Excessive alcohol use: More than 2 drinks per day raises blood pressure, and binge drinking can lead to stroke.
• Illegal drugs: Intravenous drug abuse carries a high risk of stroke from blood clots (cerebral embolisms).
• Abnormal heart rhythm: Having an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) is a powerful and treatable heart risk factor for stroke.
• Cardiac structural abnormalities: Damaged heart valves (valvular heart disease) can cause long-term heart damage, increasing the risk of stroke over time.
• Older age: The risk of having a stroke more than doubles for each decade of life after age 55.
• Race: In the United States, African Americans have a much higher risk of death and disability from a stroke than whites, partly due to a greater incidence of high blood pressure in the African-American population.
• Gender: Stroke occurs more frequently in men, but more women than men die from stroke.
• History of prior stroke: The risk of having a second stroke increases after the first one.
• Heredity or genetics: The chance of stroke is greater in people with a family history of stroke.
• Geographical location: Strokes are more common among people living in certain regions, such as the southeastern United States.
• Temperature, season, and climate: Stroke deaths occur more frequently during extreme temperatures.
• Social and economic factors: There is some evidence that strokes are more prevalent among low-income individuals.

Immediate actions to take if someone is having a stroke

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly. Here are some immediate actions to take:

• Call 911 (or your local emergency number) right away. Do not delay, as time is critical in treating strokes. Paramedics can provide faster treatment and recognise if someone needs emergency assistance.
• While waiting for help to arrive, write down the time the symptoms started or when the person was last seen "normal". This information will help the emergency team and doctors determine the appropriate treatment.
• Help the person lie down on their side with their head slightly elevated to promote blood flow.
• Loosen any restrictive clothing to help the person breathe more easily.
• If the person is unconscious, check their pulse and breathing. If there is no pulse, begin CPR immediately.
• Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, as strokes can cause difficulty with muscle control, including swallowing.
• Do not give the person aspirin, as this can worsen certain types of strokes.

Remember, a stroke is a medical emergency, and immediate action can help prevent permanent damage or even death.

How to recognise the signs of a stroke

Recognising the signs of a stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency, and urgent treatment is critical to prevent permanent damage or death. It is important to be able to recognise the signs of a stroke, as it can happen to anyone at any time. The faster a person having a stroke gets medical attention, the more likely they are to recover without disability.

An easy way to remember the symptoms of a stroke is with the acronym BE FAST:

• Balance: Watch for a sudden loss of balance.
• Eyes: Look out for a sudden loss of vision or double vision in one or both eyes.
• Face: Ask the person to smile and look for a droop on one or both sides of their face, which is a sign of muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. If they have one-sided weakness, one arm will stay higher while the other will sag.
• Speech: Strokes often cause a person to lose their ability to speak. They might slur their speech or have trouble choosing the right words.
• Time: Time is critical, so don't wait to get help! Call emergency services and note the time symptoms started, as this will help healthcare providers determine the best treatment options.

Other signs and symptoms of a stroke may include:

• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg.
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Dizziness or problems with balance and coordination.
• Severe headaches with no known cause.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Emotional instability and personality changes.
• Memory loss.
• Fainting or seizures.

The impact of a stroke on the body

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain. This can be due to blocked blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. The brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, controlling motor and sensory functions throughout the body. When blood flow is disrupted, brain cells are starved of oxygen and begin to die, resulting in the loss of brain function. The impact of a stroke on the body depends on the location and extent of the damage to the brain tissue.

A stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body, and vice versa. For example, a stroke on the left side of the brain can lead to paralysis on the right side, sensory changes, speech and language problems, as well as issues with thinking and memory. A stroke on the right side of the brain can cause similar effects on the left side of the body, along with spatial thinking or imagery difficulties.

If a stroke occurs towards the back of the brain, it is likely to result in some form of visual disability. A stroke in the brain stem, where vital functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and body temperature are controlled, can have severe consequences, potentially leaving someone in a 'locked-in' state, where the person is conscious but unable to speak or move due to muscle paralysis.

The nervous system, comprising the brain, spinal cord, and a network of nerves, is responsible for sending signals back and forth between the body and the brain. When the brain is damaged due to a stroke, these messages are disrupted, leading to a range of issues. These include numbness and tingling, usually on one side of the body, altered sensations of pain, and vision problems.

Additionally, a stroke can affect the respiratory system, either directly or indirectly. It can weaken the muscles involved in breathing and cause breathing difficulties, especially during sleep. Damage to the area of the brain that controls eating and swallowing can lead to dysphagia, where food and liquid enter the airway and settle in the lungs, increasing the risk of infection and pneumonia.

Furthermore, a stroke can impact various muscle groups, depending on the area of the brain affected, resulting in paralysis and muscle weakness. It can also cause post-stroke fatigue, with individuals experiencing increased tiredness and requiring more rest during the recovery period.

Strokes can also affect bowel and bladder control, leading to incontinence, and sexual function, causing reduced desire, lubrication issues, and problems with erection and orgasm.

Treatments for a stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when there is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain, resulting in brain cells dying due to oxygen deprivation. Treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke, the location and severity of the condition, and the patient's overall health and medical history. Here are some of the treatments for stroke:

Ischemic Stroke Treatments

Ischemic strokes, the most common type, occur when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a clot or plaque buildup. Treatment for this type of stroke typically includes:

• Thrombolytic Drugs: These "clot-busting" drugs, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), must be administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. They work by dissolving blood clots to restore blood flow to the brain.
• Thrombectomy: This is a procedure where a surgeon inserts a catheter (a long, flexible tube) into the upper thigh and guides it to the blocked artery in the neck or brain. Using angioplasty, stenting, or a stent retriever, they open up the blocked artery and remove the clot.
• Blood Thinners: Anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are given to prevent the formation or growth of blood clots.
• Angioplasty and Stenting: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a balloon or a small mesh tube into the blocked artery. The balloon is gently inflated, or the mesh tube is expanded, to create space and improve blood flow to the brain.
• Carotid Endarterectomy: Surgery to remove plaque and clots from the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatments

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and spills blood into nearby tissues. Treatment for this type of stroke may include:

• Blood Pressure Medication: Lowering blood pressure is crucial to reduce bleeding and relieve pressure on the surrounding brain tissue.
• Vitamin K: This vitamin may be given to improve clotting and stop the bleeding, especially if the patient was taking anticoagulants.
• Aneurysm Clipping: A tiny clamp is surgically placed at the base of an aneurysm to block it off from the blood vessels in the brain, preventing further bleeding.
• Blood Transfusion: This procedure replaces blood lost through surgery or injury.
• Coil Embolization: A flexible catheter is inserted into an artery in the upper thigh and guided to the aneurysm in the brain. A tiny coil is pushed through the catheter, causing a blood clot to form and block blood flow to the aneurysm.
• Surgery: In cases of severe swelling, surgery may be performed to temporarily remove part of the skull to give the brain room to swell without increased pressure.
• Endovascular Procedures: These procedures help repair weak spots or breaks in blood vessels and can be used to treat certain hemorrhagic strokes.

Rehabilitation and Supportive Treatments

In addition to the above treatments, stroke patients often require rehabilitation and supportive care:

• Speech Therapy: This helps individuals regain language and speaking abilities and improve their ability to control muscles related to breathing, eating, drinking, and swallowing.
• Physical Therapy: This aids in improving or regaining movement and coordination skills, helping individuals regain the use of their hands, arms, feet, and legs.
• Occupational Therapy: This therapy focuses on retraining individuals to perform daily activities such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing.
• Cognitive Therapy: This type of therapy assists individuals with memory problems, difficulties with focus or concentration, and other cognitive challenges.
• Palliative or Hospice Care: In some cases, palliative or hospice care may be recommended to improve the patient's quality of life and manage symptoms.

Frequently asked questions