Recognizing and Responding to Stroke: A Lifesaving Guide for World Stroke Day

By Dr. Ghostine, Neurointerventional Surgeon

Introduction

On the occasion of World Stroke Day, it is crucial to talk about stroke—a neurological emergency that affects millions globally. As a neurointerventional surgeon, my focus is on diagnosing and treating cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, using minimally invasive techniques. However, the success of my work, or any healthcare provider’s work, largely depends on early intervention. And for that, public awareness is indispensable.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted, either due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). The sudden lack of blood supply deprives the brain cells of oxygen and vital nutrients, causing them to die quickly.

Why "Time is Brain"

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating stroke. The phrase "Time is Brain" encapsulates the urgency; for every minute delay in treating a stroke, up to 2 million neurons could be lost. This could result in irreversible damage, affecting mobility, speech, or cognition. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms and acting swiftly can literally save lives and mitigate long-term disabilities.

Recognizing the Symptoms: FAST

The FAST acronym is an easy way to remember the warning signs of stroke:

- F ace drooping
- A rm weakness
- S peech difficulty
- T ime to call emergency services (911)

Treatment Options

Medical Management

Immediate medical attention usually involves administering a clot-busting drug called tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) for ischemic strokes. This medication dissolves the blood clot and restores blood flow to the affected area. However, tPA needs to be given within 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms.

Surgical Interventions

In more severe cases, especially for large vessel occlusions or hemorrhagic strokes, surgical interventions like mechanical thrombectomy or aneurysm coiling may be necessary. Here, specialized instruments are used to remove the clot or secure the ruptured vessel, often through a catheter inserted into the arterial system.

Recent Advances

Recent clinical trials like the DAWN (2018) and DEFUSE 3 (2018) have significantly broadened the treatment window for specific types of ischemic stroke. The DAWN trial, as an example, showed that mechanical thrombectomy, up to 24 hours from the onset of symptoms, was beneficial in terms of functional outcomes. 

Conclusion

Awareness, early recognition, and immediate action are the cornerstones of effective stroke treatment. This World Stroke Day, let's pledge to stay educated and vigilant because, in the battle against stroke, time lost is brain lost.

Remember, an informed community is a healthier community

Note: This blog is meant for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.