Kathmandu, October 29

Neurologists have suggested to people to keep blood pressure in check to prevent stroke.

Every year World Stroke Day is marked on October 29 to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of stroke and ensure better care and support for survivors.

According to World Health Organisation, annually 15 million people worldwide suffer stroke. Of these, five million die and another five million are left permanently disabled, placing a burden on family and community.

In a data provided by Annapurna Neurological Institute and Allied Sciences, Maitighar 1,114 people suffered stroke in 2016/2017. Though the country doesn’t have a nationwide data on number of stroke patients, neurologists said high blood pressure was the main cause of stroke.

“Those who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and hypertension are more likely to have a stroke. Unhealthy sedentary lifestyle is another cause for increasing cases of stroke in urban areas,” said Dr Sumit Joshi, neurosurgeon, Nepal Mediciti Hospital.

“Smoking also increases chances of stroke. Blood coagulation increases and there are anatomical changes in the blood vessels due to which the blood vessels thicken. As a result there is less flow of blood in the brain resulting in stroke,” added Dr Avinash Chandra, neurologist at Annapurna Neurological Institute and Allied Sciences.

Those with cardiovascular diseases are prone to stroke. Similarly, an intake of junk foods, stressful busy lifestyle and lack of exercise are other causes of increasing stroke rates.  Doctors have therefore suggested to keep blood pressure in check.

A stroke is a brain attack. It can happen to anyone at any time and occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost. Stroke may cause paralysis or weakness of one side of the body.

Anyone with sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing with one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination should immediately be rushed to the nearby neurological health centre to prevent further damage to the brain.