Recently, there were many reports about people suffering from a stroke while exercising in the gym. Doctors have also reported a sudden spurt in the number of stroke cases this winter. Did you know that there is a strong connection between winter and brain strokes? “Cold weather constricts the blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure – a major risk factor for stroke. However, blood tends to thicken and become stickier during extreme cold, which makes it easier to clot. Most strokes are due to blood clotting, which blocks a blood vessel to the brain. Our bodies’ reaction to cold weather tends to put added stress on the heart as we “clamp down” to preserve heat and energy,” explains Dr. Pavan Pai, Interventional Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. Dr. Pai wants people to know about these 4 important things about an Ischemic Stroke:
Symptoms of Ischemic Stroke
Dr. Pai cites the case of one of his patients, a 56-year-old woman who suffered from an Ischemic Stroke while exercising in the gym in the morning. She suddenly developed right-side body weakness, and drowsiness, and then became unconscious. When she was brought to the emergency ward, she had complete weakness in the right side of her body, couldn’t speak, and was drowsy, says Dr. Pai.
What To Do If You or Someone Suffers Stroke?
“B.E.F.A.S.T (Balance Loss, Eyesight Blurring or Loss, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) and seek treatment within the golden hour of the stroke to recover without any complications,” says Dr. Pai.
Know The Golden Hour of Stroke
The first hour or the 60 minutes after the onset of stroke symptoms is referred to as the “golden hour” for stroke patients as they have a high chance of survival. Treatment within a window period of 4.5 hours right after experiencing symptoms of stroke (golden period) leads to better outcomes.
Treatment of Ischemic Stroke
The woman Dr. Pai mentioned above was brought to the hospital during the golden period. Her MRI brain showed an Ischemic Stroke with complete occlusion of a medium-sized artery. She was first given a clot buster injection and later taken up for mechanical thrombectomy. Mechanical Thrombectomy is done to unclog the blocked artery and restore the blood supply. It is a life-saving procedure and can help stroke patients improve their quality of life, adds Dr. Pai. She was discharged after 6 days and has now resumed her daily routine.
Dr Pavan Pai
Interventional Neurologist
Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road
To book an appointment call: +918108101104
