Stroke, commonly known as “stroke”, is a type of emergency caused by cerebral infarction or intracranial hemorrhage caused by blockage or rupture of cerebral blood vessels, with high morbidity, mortality and disability rates.
October 29th is the 17th “World Stroke Day”. Combined with this year’s theme “Recognize stroke one second earlier, save the brain and recover well”, the reporter interviewed experts from Peking Union Medical College Hospital and taught them how to detect and treat early.
Quickly identify stroke and remember two “mantras”
According to Ni Jun, chief physician, professor and doctoral supervisor of the Department of Neurology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, there are two formulas that can quickly identify stroke.
First, the “BE FAST” formula: B (Balance) refers to loss of balance or lower extremity weakness; E (Eyes) refers to visual changes; F (Face) refers to skewed corners of the mouth; ; S (Speech) refers to slurred speech, difficulty in language comprehension or expression; T (Time) refers to time.
”If one or more of these manifestations suddenly occur, it is necessary to suspect an acute stroke and need to call for help immediately.” Ni Jun said.
Second, the formula of “120”: “1” to see if the face is symmetrical or the corner of the mouth is skewed, to check whether “2” has unilateral weakness when the arms are raised horizontally, and listen (“0”) to listen to whether the patient speaks clearly or fluently.
”If a patient is found to have these symptoms suddenly, a stroke should be suspected, and the family must call the 120 emergency number as soon as possible.” Ni Jun emphasized that if a stroke is suspected, don’t wait!
”Stroke is an emergency. Waiting for the death of brain cells may increase the number of brain cells and delay the best time for treatment. You should call 120 immediately and arrive at the nearby stroke center as soon as possible to receive professional treatment.” Ni Jun introduced that when a stroke is suspected, never feed the patient. Do not feed “blood-activating drugs” such as aspirin, because bleeding and ischemic stroke may have similar manifestations, but the treatment plans are completely different, and “blood-activating drugs” may aggravate the condition of patients with hemorrhagic stroke.
What are the treatments for acute ischemic stroke?
Acute patients are best treated within 6 hours of onset. Experts say that intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy are the most effective treatments for acute ischemic stroke.
According to Peking Union Medical College Hospital, statistics show that with intravenous thrombolysis, patients are 30% more likely to have a good outcome. “However, not all patients with ischemic stroke are suitable for intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular treatment.” Ni Jun said that the above-mentioned treatment may bring greater risks to the patients because the onset time is too long, and there are bleeding diseases or tendencies. The doctor will give advice based on the actual situation of the patient.
How to prevent stroke? Stay away from the “Three Highs”
Active control of related risk factors and appropriate changes in unhealthy lifestyles and habits can reduce the risk of cerebrovascular disease. Among them, staying away from the “three highs” is the key.
Hong Yuehui, a resident physician and MD at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, suggested that men over the age of 40 and menopausal women should check blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar every year to detect the “three highs” early. For patients with early or mild “three highs”, lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, alcohol restriction, diet control, increased activity, and weight loss, should be used first. If the effect is not satisfactory, long-term drug treatment should be added.
In addition, stroke damage is irreversible, and necrotic brain tissue cannot be regenerated after ischemia or hemorrhage. “But the nervous system has plasticity, and early, continuous and targeted rehabilitation training can help stroke patients recover neurological function and reduce the risk of disability as much as possible.” Hong Yuehui said. (Reporters Ni Yuanjin and Lin Miaomiao)
(Photo courtesy: Peking Union Medical College Hospital)
(Photo courtesy: Peking Union Medical College Hospital)