Stroke

Overview

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is an acute condition in which brain tissue is damaged by blockage or rupture of a cerebral blood vessel. It includes ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, with symptoms usually appearing suddenly.

Symptoms

• Hemiplegia
• Speech difficulty
• Facial drooping
• Headache
• Impaired consciousness
• Limb numbness

Treatment

Seek emergency care immediately. Ischemic stroke may be treated with IV thrombolysis or thrombectomy within the time window; hemorrhagic stroke focuses on controlling blood pressure and intracranial pressure. Recovery involves long-term antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy and rehabilitation.

Dietary advice

Low-salt, low-fat diet controlling blood pressure, glucose and lipids. Eat fiber-rich vegetables and fruit; limit animal fat and high-cholesterol foods.