Overview on Strokes

Stroke is sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen due to blood supply blockage or rupture of arteries of the brain. WHO indicates Stroke as the second leading cause for global mortality. Stroke is categorised into subtypes based on aetiology, assisting treatment evaluation. Risk factors for stroke are age, race, heredity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, cholesterol. Prevention methods involve lifestyle modifications, low cholesterol diet, physical activity, minimising risk factors like cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Pharmacological treatments for hypertension, diabetes and interventional procedures are suggested. The prognosis depends on type extent, severity, duration of stroke and co-morbid risk factors. Timely management of stroke, pre-hospital stroke care minimise mortality rate and enhances survival rates. Life style modifications, decrease the recurrence, thereby decrease the economic burden of stroke.