Can You Die From A Stroke? Everything You Need To Know

Nearly 1.8 million Indians are affected by a Stroke every year. While a Stroke is classified as a medical emergency, having one is not necessarily fatal. It is treatable and preventable with the correct measures. Read on to know more about the types and symptoms of Strokes and how to treat one.

Understanding Stroke

Also called a cerebrovascular accident, a Stroke is a type of brain damage caused by an interruption in its blood flow. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing the brain tissues from getting oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, the brain cells begin to die. Having even one Stroke increases the risk of a second one, which is likely to be even more severe. Therefore, prompt medical attention is necessary to treat risk factors. 

Types of Stroke

• Ischemic Stroke: It  occurs when blood flow to the brain through one or more arteries is blocked — often due to a blood clot or a narrowing of the arteries from the accumulation of plaque. These account for about 87% of all Strokes.

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Hemorrhagic Stroke occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures, causing a leakage of blood. These account for about 40% of all Stroke deaths.

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): This is also known as a ‘mini Stroke’, as the blood flow to the brain is cut off for only a few minutes. However, a TIA is also a warning sign of future Strokes and is a medical emergency on its own that requires immediate attention.

• Brain Stem Stroke: This type of Stroke affects the brain stem and affects both sides of the body. The patient is often described as being in a ‘locked-in’ state, unable to move any body part except their eyes.

• Cryptogenic Stroke: In some cases, doctors are unable to determine the cause of a Stroke. These are classified as Cryptogenic Strokes and may be indicative of certain underlying medical conditions such as thrombophilia or atrial fibrillation.

Symptoms of Stroke

The initial symptoms of a Stroke may range from dizziness and trouble walking to numbness in the limbs and loss of vision. The acronym FAST is a quick and easy way to tell whether you or someone else is having a stroke.

• F — Face drooping when the person tries to smile

• A — Arm weakness when the patient raises both arms

• S — Speech difficulty or slurring when the patient utters a simple sentence

• T — Time to call for medical help if even one of the above symptoms is present

Can one die from a Stroke?

The fatality of a Stroke depends largely on its severity, location, and treatment. The longer the blood flow is cut off from the brain, the greater the risk of permanent brain damage and death, which means getting treated immediately is of paramount importance. 

The risk of death goes up with Strokes that occur in one’s sleep, which happens about 14% of the time. Since sleeping patients cannot benefit from immediate treatment, the Stroke is likely to have more severe effects. Even if the patient does not die, they have a higher risk of lasting brain damage or disability. Clot-busting drugs given within the first three hours of a Stroke typically help with this. However, as sleeping patients cannot identify exactly when their symptoms started, they may not be eligible for such drugs.

Recovering from a Stroke

A Stroke requires immediate medical treatment to contain the damage and minimize the risk of long-term effects. Post-treatment, the patient will need a range of therapies at the best rehabilitation center in Bangalore to recover fully from the physical and mental aftermath of the Stroke.

• Physical therapy: Stroke patients need to stay active, however difficult it may seem at first. They may need to relearn basic movements like walking.

• Speech therapy: Practice with the right therapists can make speaking and swallowing easier, as patients often have trouble with these.

• Occupational therapy: This helps the patient readjust to independent life and performing activities like reading, bathing, or changing clothes.

• Support groups: Joining groups with other patients recovering from Stroke can provide moral support and a feeling of growing stronger together. 

• Lifestyle changes: Cutting out alcohol and tobacco and engaging in moderate physical activity can all reduce the likelihood of a second Stroke.

While having a Stroke is serious, it doesn’t have to be fatal if treated at once, and a full recovery is highly probable. Making the right lifestyle choices and getting regular treatment at the best rehabilitation center in Bangalore will help you recover sooner and enjoy better overall health.