Understanding Brain Stroke: How The Young Can Safeguard Themselves

Understanding Brain Stroke: How The Young Can Safeguard Themselves

Dr Akash Prabhu March 1, 2024
Zerodha CEO Nitin Kamath recently experienced a mild stroke attack, which was surprising given his young age and seemingly fit physique. However, medical studies indicate various factors such as inadequate sleep, dehydration (as was the case with Nitin Kamath), exertion, and fatigue that can contribute to strokes. It is important to understand that due to today's hectic lifestyle, the risk of stroke is high among young individuals and not just the older generation.  As per available medical data, an increasing number of young Indians are experiencing strokes. A recent study revealed that approximately 15-30% of the young Indian population has encountered a stroke. These statistics raise concerns, prompting a crucial question: Why are today's youth at a higher risk of stroke? In this article, we'll discuss the causes of stroke in youth, symptoms and the preventive measures that can be taken. 

What Is A Stroke?

A stroke is a potentially fatal condition that results from insufficient blood flow to a certain area of the brain. The most prevalent causes of this are bleeding in the brain or clogged arteries. The brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen when there isn't a constant flow of blood.

Types Of Strokes

When blood flow to the brain is interrupted or stopped, a stroke results. Hemorrhagic and Ischemic strokes are the two types of strokes.

  • Hemorrhagic Stroke

This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues. The surrounding brain tissue experiences pressure buildup during a hemorrhagic stroke. This aggravates and damages the situation even more.

  • Ischemic Stroke

This is the most prevalent kind of stroke. It occurs when a significant brain blood vessel becomes clogged. There can be a blood clot obstructing it. Alternatively, a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits could be blocking it. This buildup or accumulation of fat is termed plaque.

Understanding The Causes Of Stroke

Anyone can have a stroke at any age but there are several factors which aggravate the stroke risks. Ischemic and Hemorrhagic are the two prominent strokes which can be triggered due to various factors.

Causes Of Ischemic Stroke

  • Atherosclerosis - buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls.
  • Clotting illnesses - including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arterial thrombosis.
  • Atrial fibrillation - in cases where sleep apnea is the cause.
  • Heart Defects - ventricular or atrial septal defects.
  • Microvascular Ischemia - condition when the brain's small blood vessels become blocked. 

Causes Of Hemorrhagic Stroke:

  • High Blood Pressure - especially if it is for a very long time, high or both. 
  • Brain Aneurysms. 
  • Brain Tumors - including cancer. 
  • Moyamoya Disease - it weakens or produces unusual alterations in the blood vessels of the brain. 

Symptoms Of Stroke

Since, different parts of the brain regulate distinct functions, the area that is affected determines the symptoms of a stroke. To recognize the symptoms of stroke remember to BE FAST 
  • B - Balance: Check whether the person is facing trouble while standing, able to maintain balance or not.
  • E - Eyes: Ask the person if they are facing a blurry vision.
  • F - Face: Ask the person to smile. Check whether one or both sides of the face is drooping or numb.
  • A - Arms: When the person lifts both arms at the same time, check whether one arm is drifting downwards.
  • S - Speech: A slurred speech or difficulty speaking is a prominent symptom of stroke
  • T - Time: If you notice any of the symptoms in the person, note the time when symptoms started and immediately call on the emergency number 112 or take the person to the nearest hospital.
A quick and fast response in case of stroke is of utmost importance to save the life of the person.

Risk Factors Of Stroke

Anyone can develop a stroke irrespective of age. However, some risk factors increase the chance of experiencing a stroke. These risk factors for stroke include:
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol Consumption
  • Obesity
  • High blood cholesterol
  • History of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
(TIAs are often called mini-strokes. They have the same symptoms as stroke, but the symptoms don’t last)

Can Stroke Be Prevented?

Although the risk of stroke cannot be prevented totally, with certain lifestyle modifications and a healthy diet the risk of stroke can be alleviated. Lifestyle and dietary measures that can reduce the risk of strokes:
  • Eat foods low in cholesterol
  • Avoid saturated fats and heavy food
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain blood pressure
  • Get an adequate amount of sleep
  • Consume alcohol in moderation
  • Manage diabetes
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid unnecessary exertion
These preventive measures can lessen the risk of stroke while maintaining overall well-being. 

Recovering From Stroke

Taking proper care of yourself after experiencing a stroke becomes essential to avoid any further complications. It is understandable that dealing with stroke and its after-effects can be challenging.  The following measures can ease the challenge of dealing with stroke
  • Take proper medications as prescribed by the doctor
  • Don't miss any medical appointments
  • Take care of your mental health. In case of depression or other mental conditions such as anxiety, it's best to talk to your healthcare provider
  • Communicate with your loved ones about your feelings
  • Practice exercises that promote mental well-being such as yoga and meditation

The Final Word

A stroke is a brain’s version of a heart attack, making it a critical, life-threatening medical emergency.  Strokes happen quickly, and waiting too long to receive treatment can result in death or irreversible brain damage. Also, the person having the stroke or others around them, this can be a frightening situation. However, with the latest advancements in the neurological field, treatment options for strokes are available.  WIINS Hospitals is one of the best neurosurgery hospitals in Kolhapur that is committed to offering treatment options for neurological conditions at the most affordable price using the latest technology. With our expert team of neurosurgeons, WIINS Hospitals is the top choice for neurological conditions for the people of Kolhapur and beyond. 

FAQs:

  • Can strokes be cured?

Everybody recovers from a stroke differently; it can take weeks, months, or even years. While some people recover completely, others can suffer life-long disabilities. However, the chances of recovering from a stroke or preventing major damage are higher when the patient is rushed to a hospital quickly, ideally within the first hour since the stroke strikes. 

  • Who is at risk of stroke?

Although stroke is common among older adults, many people younger than 65 years can also have strokes. As per experts, younger people are experiencing stroke because of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress and a hectic lifestyle.

  • Can stress cause strokes?

Stress, heart disease, and stroke are intricately related. Stress can raise blood pressure, make the heart work harder, and raise blood sugar and fat levels. Consequently, there is a greater chance that clots will form, move to the brain or heart, and result in a heart attack or stroke.

  • Can depression cause strokes?

According to experts, people with depression symptoms are more likely to experience a stroke, and their recovery from stroke is often more difficult. Consulting an expert in such cases is encouraged. 

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