Stroke Treatment: Ignoring The Consequences

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when there is an interruption in blood circulation in the brain, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to brain cells. If left untreated, a stroke can lead to permanent brain damage and disability. The longer the delay in treatment, the greater the risk of severe and long-lasting complications, including death. Therefore, recognising the signs of a stroke and acting quickly is crucial to improve the chances of recovery and reduce potential disabilities.

Brain damage worsens with time

Strokes are a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. They occur when there is an interruption in blood circulation in the brain, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to brain cells. Without oxygen, brain cells can only survive for a short period before they start to die, leading to permanent brain damage.

The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the extent of brain damage. Ischemic strokes, the most common type, unfold over a period of 10 hours. This means that every second you wait for treatment, the brain damage becomes more severe. On average, the brain loses two million brain cells every minute a stroke is left untreated. If a stroke is not treated within 10 hours, the brain ages up to 36 years!

The first few hours after a stroke are critical for receiving effective treatment. For ischemic strokes, it is crucial to administer a clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) within three hours of the stroke to improve the chances of recovery. Endovascular procedures to remove blood clots can also be used but only after successful administration of tPA.

Hemorrhagic strokes, the second major type, involve a burst blood vessel that causes bleeding in or around the brain. Minimally invasive endovascular procedures or surgery are typically used to stop the bleeding. However, it is essential to determine the type of stroke before starting treatment, as hemorrhagic strokes can worsen with thrombolytic medications.

The impact of a stroke depends on which part of the brain is affected. Common effects include paralysis, weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing problems, pain, numbness, and emotional changes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious adult disability, and the earlier someone receives treatment, the more likely they are to recover without permanent damage.

Permanent disability may occur

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an interruption to blood circulation in the brain, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to brain cells. Brain cells can start to die within minutes of oxygen deprivation, and this death of brain cells can lead to permanent disability.

The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is damaged. For example, a person who has had a stroke may experience paralysis or weakness, usually on one side of the body. They may also have difficulty speaking or using words, and could have problems with swallowing, pain, or numbness.

In addition, a stroke can cause issues with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory. The person may experience emotional changes, such as depression or difficulty controlling their emotions.

The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the chance of extensive brain damage and permanent disability. Ischemic strokes, the most common type, unfold over a period of 10 hours, during which time brain damage worsens with every passing second. If left untreated for the full 10 hours, the brain ages up to 36 years, and the person loses approximately 120 million brain cells.

Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of a stroke. Every minute counts, and by recognising the signs and acting quickly, you can improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of permanent disability.

Death is a possibility

The effects of a stroke can be permanent, and the risk of death increases greatly if treatment is delayed. Brain cells that are deprived of oxygen for too long will die, and the damage becomes irreversible. The stroke itself may last until the brain cells in the affected areas die, causing permanent damage.

The type of stroke also affects the chances of survival. Ischemic strokes, caused by blood clots, are the most common type and can be treated with thrombolytics, which dissolve existing clots. However, these drugs can only be administered within a three-to-four-and-a-half-hour window after the onset of stroke symptoms. Hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding in or around the brain, require surgery or other procedures to stop the bleeding and relieve pressure on the brain.

The faster a person having a stroke receives medical attention, the more likely they are to recover without disability or permanent damage. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly is crucial. Some common signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden problems with vision
• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination issues
• Severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

Emotional instability and personality changes may occur

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an interruption to blood circulation in the brain, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to brain cells. Without oxygen, brain cells can become damaged and stop working properly. If left untreated, a stroke can lead to permanent brain damage and even death. Emotional instability and personality changes may occur as a result of the damage caused by a stroke.

Emotional instability can manifest in various ways, including mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is important to recognise and address these emotional changes, as they can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and recovery process. Seeking professional help is crucial in managing these emotional challenges effectively.

Personality changes following a stroke can also be significant. The specific alterations will depend on the area of the brain affected by the stroke. For example, a stroke impacting the right side of the brain may result in increased impulsivity, disinhibition, and risk-taking behaviours. On the other hand, a stroke affecting the left side of the brain may lead to more cautious and reserved behaviour.

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping individuals manage emotional instability and personality changes following a stroke. This includes psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, which can help individuals understand and cope with their emotional challenges. Additionally, social support from family and friends is vital in providing a supportive environment for the individual during their recovery journey.

It is important to recognise that everyone's experience with emotional instability and personality changes after a stroke is unique. Some individuals may experience only mild changes, while others may face more significant challenges. Early intervention and personalised treatment plans are essential in optimising outcomes and helping individuals adjust to any emotional and personality alterations they may experience.

Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body

Hemiplegia is a symptom of paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, which can be either the right or left side. It is often a key indicator of severe or life-threatening conditions, such as a stroke, but can also be caused by less dangerous conditions or circumstances. Hemiplegia can cause muscles to become completely limp or result in spastic hemiplegia, where muscles contract uncontrollably. It may affect the face, arm, and leg on one side of the body, and in some cases, the paralysis may come and go.

Hemiplegia is caused by problems affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which comprises the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when there is an interruption in blood circulation in the brain, resulting in a lack of oxygen supply to the brain cells. This can be due to blocked blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. Without immediate medical attention, a stroke can lead to permanent brain damage and disability, as the brain ages up to 36 years for every 10 hours a stroke is left untreated.

The signs and symptoms of hemiplegia include sudden numbness in the face, arms, or legs; confusion; and difficulty speaking. To recognise the symptoms of a stroke, it is important to act FAST:

• Face: Ask the person to smile and look for a droop on one or both sides of the face, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Arm: Ask the person to raise their arms; if they have one-sided weakness, one arm will stay higher while the other will sag.
• Speech: Strokes often cause difficulty in speaking, with slurred speech or trouble choosing the right words.
• Time: Time is critical; call emergency services immediately if you observe any symptoms of a stroke.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hemiplegia or any other symptoms of a stroke, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Frequently asked questions