New Delhi: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, which can lead to serious complications. Strokes shockingly enough can occur even in a person who has no risk factors, even someone who is a non-smoker or does not drink alcohol or engage in other heart-unfriendly practices. But this event is potentially fatal provided one seeks medical support timely. Therefore, it is advised to watch out for the symptoms of a stroke and reach out to a doctor ASAP. This World Stroke Day read on to know the signs of a stroke in men.
What are the symptoms of stroke in men?
While talking about the same, Dr. Shiva Kumar R – Head and Senior Consultant, Neurology, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, said, “Majority of the stroke cases occur without warning. However, a particular type of stroke called the Transient ischemic attack (TIA), accounting for about 15% of all stroke cases may have some warning signs including, sudden visual problems, speech difficulties, including slurred speech or inability to speak (aphasia), severe headache, double vision, weakness or loss of sensation in an arm or leg, facial weakness, often causing one side of the face to droop, seizures, and loss of balance.”
Any symptom which is sudden and involves the brain or the eye has to be considered a stroke and the patient should be rushed to the emergency unit in a stroke-ready hospital for immediate stroke reversal measures. The first few hours after a stroke episode, called the golden hours (0-4.5 hours) is deemed ideal for receiving clot-bursting medication in ischemic strokes.
Upon arriving at the emergency room, if a stroke is suspected, doctors will first conduct a CT scan or MRI of your brain to confirm stroke and exclude haemorrhagic stroke. If it turns out you’re a candidate, you might receive medication to help dissolve the clot causing the problem. If that option isn’t suitable, other treatments, like mechanically removing the clot, might be on the table, often up to 24 hours after the stroke begins.
Stroke is one of those diseases that often has effective treatments almost completely restoring the health of the person, especially if addressed promptly. Understanding the signs and symptoms and getting the treatment to a stroke-ready hospital is vital for better management and outcome. Time is the brain when it comes to treating stroke. Remember, when dealing with a stroke, every moment counts. If you or someone you know suddenly shows any symptoms, don’t wait—get medical help right away.
