Guwahati: World Stroke Day is marked to raise awareness of the seriousness and prevalence of stroke on October 29 each year. The purpose of the day is to increase public awareness of stroke prevention and treatment.
A blood clot in the brain that plugs a vessel is what causes a stroke. The blockage stops blood and oxygen from getting to the location, which results in the death of brain cells.
There are many signs of a stroke, such as a face that drops excessively from relaxed muscles, however there can also be quiet stroke symptoms. This means that it is possible to experience a stroke and not even be aware of it, which might have much more severe consequences.
According to Harvard Health, a clot may cause symptoms including weakness in an arm or leg or even problems speaking or seeing, depending on where it is located. However, occasionally the stroke goes undiagnosed since the damaged area is so little and it’s in a region of the brain that doesn’t regulate any essential activities.
Signs and symptoms of a silent stroke
Sometimes, the effects of a stroke on the brain and body as a whole are far more severe when they are accompanied with less well-known or less visible symptoms. Those who are unaware that they have had a stroke may put off getting their bodies treated to prevent strokes for a longer period of time.
Unlike the symptoms of a heart attack where there are obvious signs of pain and discomfort, a silent stroke may include:
Sudden lack of balance
· Temporary loss of muscle movements
· Memory loss
· Change in personality
· Cognitive skills and ability
· Trouble walking
· Blindness in one eye or cuts in your field of vision
· Sudden, severe headache
· Dizziness
· Confusion
Can silent strokes be prevented?
According to the Mayo Clinic, while it is hard to spot a silent stroke, it is even harder to restore areas of the brain affected by them. Here are a few things you can do to prevent strokes from happening:
· Get blood pressure under control: High blood pressure raises your risk for silent stroke and hence it is important to keep it under control.
· Exercise: Regular exercising and workouts can reduce the chances of having a stroke by up to 40 per cent, doctors say. It is important to indulge in high to moderate-intensity exercises for at least 30-45 minutes daily.
· Cut down on salt: According to the American Stroke Association, high salt intake can increase the chances of heart attacks and stroke. Hence, it is imperative to reduce sodium intake.
· Weight management: Obesity and being overweight can rapidly increase the chances of a stroke. And so, strive to keep your weight at a body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9.
· Lower cholesterol levels: To reduce the risk of a stroke, keep cholesterol levels low. According to health experts, your good cholesterol should ideally be 60 mg/dL or higher. Your LDL (bad) cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL.
· Stop smoking: Cut your smoking habit to reduce the risk of stroke.
· Eat a balanced diet: Eat fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables along with whole grains, and meats for your heart health.