A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a blocked artery or a burst blood vessel. Without a consistent blood supply, which delivers oxygen to the brain, brain cells begin to die, causing serious damage.
Types of Stroke: Blocked and Ruptured Arteries
- Ischemic Stroke Ischemia (pronounced “iss-key-me-uh”) is when there’s insufficient blood flow to the brain, typically due to a blockage in blood vessels. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 80% of all strokes, making them the most common type.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke Hemorrhagic (pronounced “hem-or-aj-ick”) strokes occur when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain. This can happen in two ways:
- Intracerebral bleeding: Blood vessels within the brain tear or rupture, leading to internal bleeding that pressures surrounding brain tissue.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding into the space between the brain and its outer covering, caused by damaged blood vessels.
Both types of strokes can lead to brain damage, disability, or even death if untreated.
Stroke Statistics in Malaysia
According to a study in 2022, stroke is Malaysia’s third leading cause of death. In 2019 alone, there were 47,911 stroke cases, 19,928 deaths, and 443,995 prevalent cases recorded.
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Stroke
Lifestyle Risk Factors
- Obesity or being overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Illegal drug use
Medical Risk Factors
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Cardiovascular diseases, including heart defects, infections, or irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation
- History of stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- COVID-19 infection
Other factors that increase stroke risk:
- Age: People aged 55 or older are more likely to suffer from strokes.
- Race/Ethnicity: African American and Hispanic individuals have a higher stroke risk than other ethnic groups.
- Gender: Men are more likely to experience strokes than women, but women have a higher mortality rate from strokes.
- Hormones: Using birth control pills or hormone therapies containing estrogen increases stroke risk.
How Do I Know If I'm Having a Stroke?
A stroke can result in temporary or permanent disability, depending on the location and extent of brain damage. Symptoms include:
Paralysis: Loss of control or movement in one side of the body.
Difficulty swallowing or speaking: A stroke may affect muscles in the mouth and throat, leading to trouble with speech and swallowing.
Memory loss or cognitive difficulties: Stroke survivors may experience problems with memory, reasoning, and understanding.
Emotional changes: People may struggle with emotional control or experience depression.
Pain: Some stroke survivors may feel pain or numbness in areas affected by the stroke.
Behavioral changes: Strokes can alter behavior, leading to withdrawal or difficulty with daily activities.
Signs of a Stroke: Remember "BE FAST"
If you notice any signs of a stroke, seek immediate medical attention. Use the “BE FAST” method to recognize symptoms:
- Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance or dizziness?
- Eyes: Is there sudden blurred vision in one or both eyes?
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Is speech slurred or unusual?
- Time: If any of these signs are present, call emergency services immediately.
What to Do After a Stroke Diagnosis?
After being diagnosed with a stroke, it’s crucial to start physiotherapy as soon as possible. Early treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes. At Ropheka Physiotherapy Sports and Injury Centre in Seremban, we have been successfully treating stroke patients since 1988 with high recovery rates.
Stroke rehabilitation is a gradual process that requires time, effort, and patience. The goal of physiotherapy is to help you regain functional abilities and improve your quality of life. Feel free to contact us for any inquiries or to schedule an appointment for a face-to-face consultation.
