A stroke, also referred to as a “cerebrovascular accident”, is a type of brain attack. When a stroke occurs, the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. A stroke is a medical emergency as it can cause brain damage and even death.

 In India, the stroke rate is high, and it has been noted to be the fourth leading cause of death in the country [1]. Strokes have also been noted to be the fifth leading cause of disability in the country [1]. This makes it important to understand the symptoms and cause of a stroke, so that quick action can be taken during this medical emergency.

The recognisable and visible symptoms of a stroke include –

• A sudden loss of balance and movement.
• One or both sides of the face begin to droop.
• Sudden changes in one or both eyes.
• Speech becomes slurry.

Being urgently taken to the hospital and getting medical attention is very important in case someone is having a stroke. In case you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one, call an emergency ambulance service by dialling 108. You can also call MedCab’s fast private ambulance service at 18008-908-208.

What Causes a Stroke?

There are two types of strokes. Ischemic strokes occur due to a blood clot in one of the blood vessels connected to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when there is a rupture in one of the blood vessels of the brain.

The causes for Ischemic strokes can include heart problems, blocked arteries, high BP, and diabetes. The causes for Hemorrhagic Strokes can include uncontrolled high BP, aneurysm, and brain tumours.

There are several risk factors that can make one vulnerable to a stroke –

• Heart disease – Irregular heartbeats and other forms of heart conditions can make one vulnerable to a stroke and even cause death.
• High BP- Any blood pressure over 140/90 is considered high and causes damage to the arteries that supply blood to one’s brain.
• Smoking – The risk for an ischemic stroke increases significantly as a result of smoking.
• Previous transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) – A history of such attacks can significantly increase one’s chance of having a stroke
• Diabetes – A person with diabetes is twice as likely to get a stroke as compared to individuals who do not have diabetes [2].
• Obesity – Obesity increases the risks for other types of problems associated with causing a stroke, such as high BP, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Sedentary Lifestyle – Prolonged periods of sitting or lying down can increase one’s chances of getting a stroke.
• Substance abuse – excessive use of alcohol as well as drugs can increase the risk of stroke due to blood clots, as well as other forms of heart problems.

Stroke Symptoms and Treatment

There are several warning signs of a stroke. These include –

• Numbness or loss of balance in the arm, leg or face. This usually occurs on one side of the body.
• Loss of vision or blurry vision – This can occur in one or both eyes.
•  Dizziness and trouble walking.
•  Confusion
•  Memory Loss
•   Loss of coordination
•  Vomiting or nausea
• Passing out or fainting

Acting FAST

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a stroke due to the high stroke rate in India. In case you notice the warning signs of a stroke, it is important to act FAST –

• F (Face) -Ask the individual to smile and check if a side of their face is drooping.
• A (Arms) – Check if the individual is able to raise both arms or if one arm is drooping.
• S (Speech) – Check if the individual is able to repeat a simple sentence after you. This will help you in checking for slurred speech.
• T (Time) – Upon noticing any of the symptoms of the stroke, it is important to call an ambulance and seek immediate medical attention. Dial 108 to reach the government helpline for critical care ambulances.

Stroke Treatment

When a person is having a stroke, quick action is important as faster treatment can help prevent damage to the brain. In cases of ischemic stroke, the blood clot has to be broken up through medications or surgery. In the case of hemorrhagic stroke, the cause for the bleeding has to be controlled.

Depending on the cause of the stroke, the treatment may differ. After the treatment, the patient may also require certain therapies through rehabilitation for the purpose of adjusting to the changes caused to the body after the stroke. This can include physical therapy for muscle strengthening, speech therapy for talking, or cognitive therapy for improving concentration and memory.

Timely medical intervention for a stroke is important. This is why having knowledge of the symptoms and acting FAST is necessary. Call an emergency ambulance by dialling 108 or MedCab’s fast ambulance number at 18008-908-208. MedCab provides fast private ambulance services and is available in most cities of India. MedCab ambulance services can also be booked using the MedCab mobile app.  Save our emergency ambulance number and be prepared for medical emergencies, such as a stroke.

References

[1] Behera DK, Rahut DB, Mishra S. Analyzing stroke burden and risk factors in India using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Scientific Reports. 2024 Sep 30; 14(1). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-72551-4

[2] Mosenzon O, Cheng AY, Rabinstein AA, Sacco S. Diabetes and stroke: what are the connections?. Journal of stroke. 2023 Jan 3;25(1):26-38. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9911852/

FAQs

Is stroke a medical emergency?

Yes, a stroke is a form of brain attack and is a medical emergency. Without quick action, a stroke can also cause death.

What are the risk factors for a stroke?

Some of the risk factors for a stroke include heart disease, high BP, smoking, diabetes, obesity, substance abuse and a sedentary lifestyle.

What should I do in case someone is having a stroke?

Use the FAST approach to check for symptoms. Call an ambulance right away by dialling 108 or MedCab’s emergency ambulance number at 18008-908-208.

How can I book an ambulance with MedCab for a stroke patient?

You can book an ambulance with MedCab using the emergency ambulance number 18008-908-208. You can also download the MedCab mobile app to book MedCab’s ambulance services anywhere in India.