Stroke is the medical condition wherein there is a certain cutoff of oxygen to your brain due to narrow arteries, leading to damage and effect to the brain. This is a medical emergency. And it requires immediate medical attention.
Stroke ranks among the top five causes of disability and death, as it is the most prevailing medical condition. In this blog, we will discuss the myths and misconceptions about stroke that need to be clarified, ensuring that you are well-known about the facts.
What are the types of Stroke?
Before we begin to start the myths surrounding stroke, it’s essential to understand the two main types: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic. This knowledge can be life-saving, as it helps recognise and respond to the condition.
- Ischemic: The majority of them are caused by these strokes. It is mainly caused due to blockage or clots in the blood vessels that supply your brain.
- Hemorrhagic: This stroke occurs due to weak blood vessels.
Expose the Stroke Myths With Facts
- It is mostly seen that strokes occur in older people.
While it’s true that the risk of stroke increases with age, it’s a myth that strokes only affect the elderly. In fact, people as young as 18 can suffer from a stroke. Understanding this can help in early recognition and prevention. In fact, changes in lifestyle, levels of stress, high blood pressure levels, etc, may increase the risk of stroke in younger people more.
- A Stroke occurs in the Heart.
There is a big misconception among people that stroke occurs in the heart, but the fact is that it usually originates in the brain. When there is no proper flow of oxygen to the brain, the neurons start to degenerate and cause injury in the brain. It is what stroke is.
- Stroke cannot be prevented by us.
There is a myth that stroke cannot be prevented. According to studies, in many cases, stroke can occur due to hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity. There are 95% of cases who are suffering from stroke due to this reason. These risk factors can only be prevented by a healthy lifestyle.
- Strokes cannot be treated.
The other myth is that once you are struck by a stroke, it cannot be treated. If you seek medical attention and treatment for early stroke symptoms, the effect of stroke can be reversed. So when you find any symptoms of a stroke, don’t wait. Just seek urgent medical care.
- Strokes are more common in men.
Is there any gender difference between those who get a higher chance of stroke? Then yes, there is a higher risk of stroke in men at an early stage; however, stroke can also occur in women but at a later stage. The higher chances of death in women are more compared to men.
- A stroke is difficult to recognise
Stroke can occur suddenly, and don’t waste time trying to identify that you are suffering from a stroke, just seek urgent medical care. However, it is a myth that strokes are difficult to recognise. There is a medical test required that helps to identify any injury due to strokes.
- Pain is the most common site of stroke.
Most people may not find the difference between heart attack and stroke. It is easy to presume stroke is not what you are suffering from. However, there are 30% of cases of not having reliable symptoms of the Stroke.
- Is Covid 19 the Reason for Stroke
In the Covid 19 pandemic, people were afraid to seek medical consultations, even for regular checkups and routine maintenance. However, there are higher chances of stroke due to blood clots and inflammation. Some cases of Covid-19 have been linked with strokes.
- Smoking is not the reason for stroke.
It is the myth that only factors such as changes in lifestyle, high blood pressure, and blood cholesterol are the main reasons that may cause strokes.Consumption of alcohol and smoking can lead to experiencing a stroke.
- Strokes do not run in families.
Family members who are suffering from stroke increase the risk of stroke for coming generations. Most of the strokes happen due to family history and are hereditary. Hence the fact that strokes can happen due to family history.
It is essential to adapt to a healthy lifestyle to take care of your overall health. If you see any symptoms of a stroke, get medical treatment urgently. If you are seeking professionals who help you guide you about the symptoms and tips to relieve stroke, then get an appointment with our doctors. We give all our patients the best treatment and advice for better medical care. Neurociti Hospital offers you the best neurological services and aims to meet your healthcare needs.
