Brain stroke: Why is becoming common in India?

Brain stroke: Why is becoming common in India?

New Delhi: Brain stroke is a potentially deadly incident wherein blood supply to the master organ gets disrupted due to a clot. The most common form of it is known as an ischaemic stroke and it can also occur when oxygen and blood supply to the brain is even partially disrupted. Lack of oxygen, blood and nutrients causes brain cells to die within minutes and the same can be deadly if not acknowledged well in time. Another form of stroke is haemorrhagic – in this case, a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts thereby leading to bleeding, excess pressure on brain cells and consequent damage. But lately, the same has become commoner in India, which is a cause of concern. What are the causes? Read on to find out.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Nikhil C Hiremath, Consultant – Neurologist, SPARSH Hospital, Yeswanthpur, answered the same.

The increasing incidences of brain strokes among young Indians are deeply concerning. Well-known factors are hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiac causes. Smoking is a major emerging risk factor. To counteract this trend, it is vital for young people to embrace healthier lifestyles. Developing a habit of engaging in physical exercise regularly, eating healthy, proper 8-hour sleep, and mindfulness practices to manage stress are crucial. Smoking cessation and avoiding alcohol consumption can significantly reduce the risk. Routine medical check-ups for early detection of potential issues can also be life-saving.

Dr Raghavendra Ramdasi, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, also commented on the same.

“A brain stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage. While poor lifestyle habits like smoking and poor diet are major causes, healthy young people suffer strokes due to genetic predispositions, even sleep disorders, or undiagnosed heart conditions. With this, high stress levels, prevalent in India, and environmental factors like pollution are contributing to this alarming rise. Increasing awareness and diagnosis of these underlying conditions are crucial. It’s essential to prioritise tress management to bring down the risk of strokes in the younger population.”

What are the symptonms of a stroke?

In case of a stroke, it is imperative to be aware of the symptoms and take appropriate action as well immediately as the risk of death is high. The symptoms are:

Difficulty in seeing with one or both eyes
Inability to speak or understand what others are saying
Severe headaches
Vomiting
Dizziness
Numbness or paralysis in the arms, face or legs or one side of the body
Face drooping on one side
Loss of balance and coordination
 A brain stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage. While poor lifestyle habits like smoking and poor diet are major causes, healthy young people suffer strokes due to genetic predispositions, even sleep disorders, or undiagnosed heart conditions.  Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare