Stroke represents one of the main causes of death and disability in the country, requiring increased attention from the population to its signs. Agility in recognizing symptoms and seeking medical help are determining factors in reducing the risk of serious consequences and saving lives, transforming information into a crucial public health tool.
Experts reinforce the motto “Time is brain” to highlight that every minute lost from the onset of symptoms to treatment can result in irreversible damage to brain tissue. Interruption of blood flow or bleeding in the brain deprives cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to neuronal death in a short space of time.
Health system data continues to record a high number of incidents annually. Estatísticas from previous years, such as those in 2022 which showed more than 87 thousand deaths in ten months, serve as a continuous warning about the scale of the problem and the need for permanent awareness campaigns.
Ischemic and hemorrhagic: understand the differences
Events are classified into two main types, with different causes and approaches. The most common is ischemic stroke, responsible for approximately 80% of cases. Ele occurs when a cerebral artery is blocked, usually by a clot, which prevents the flow of blood to a certain region of the brain. Symptoms, such as weakness on one side of the body and difficulty speaking, tend to appear suddenly and can worsen in a matter of minutes or hours.
On the other hand, hemorrhagic stroke represents the remaining 20% and occurs due to the rupture of a blood vessel, causing bleeding in or around the brain. Esse extravasation of blood increases intracranial pressure and irritates brain tissue, which can lead to more serious conditions. Symptoms often include a sudden and extremely intense headache, nausea, vomiting and even loss of consciousness, characterizing a medical emergency of the highest priority.
Warning signs that cannot be ignored
Identifying symptoms quickly is the first step to a positive outcome. The most classic manifestation is sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, usually affecting only one side of the body.
Another common sign is sudden difficulty speaking or understanding what other people are saying. Speech may become slurred, confused, or the individual may be unable to form words.
Changes in vision are also a strong indication. Isso may include blurred, darkened, double vision, or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes without an apparent cause.
Additionally, sudden dizziness, loss of balance or motor coordination, resulting in difficulty walking, are symptoms that require immediate evaluation by a healthcare team.
The importance of differential diagnosis
Some health conditions may present symptoms similar to those of a stroke, which reinforces the need for a specialized medical evaluation for the correct diagnosis.
Migraine attacks, for example, can cause visual disturbances and intense headaches. However, its symptoms usually develop gradually, unlike the sudden onset characteristic of stroke.
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can also lead to mental confusion, weakness and difficulty speaking, mimicking a neurological condition. A simple blood glucose test can help differentiate the two situations.
Hospital procedures for confirmation
Upon arriving at the hospital, the suspected patient undergoes a detailed clinical evaluation. The doctor investigates symptoms, health history, and performs neurological tests to check brain function, such as strength, sensitivity, and coordination.
Imaging exams are essential to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of occurrence. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull allows you to visualize the brain, identify the affected area and differentiate between ischemia and hemorrhage.
Treatment strategies vary depending on the type of occurrence
The therapeutic approach is defined based on the cause of the brain problem and the severity of the symptoms presented by the patient. Para ischemic stroke, treatment needs to be started as soon as possible to restore blood flow. One of the options is thrombolytic therapy, which uses medications to dissolve the blood clot, and is most effective when administered within four and a half hours after the onset of symptoms. In selected cases, or when the clot is large, mechanical thrombectomy may be indicated, a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is guided into the blocked artery to physically remove the clot. Já in hemorrhagic stroke, the main focus is to contain bleeding and control intracranial pressure. Dependendo the location and extent of the hemorrhage, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain the blood and repair the ruptured vessel, in addition to intensive monitoring of blood pressure.
Focus on risk prevention and control
Prevention is the best strategy and requires strict control of risk factors. Manter having blood pressure and diabetes under control, having adequate cholesterol levels, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, adopting a balanced diet and practicing physical activity regularly are fundamental measures.
‘Time is brain’: the urgency of care
At the slightest suspicion, the recommendation is clear: immediately seek a hospital emergency service or call emergency mobile assistance.
It is not possible for a layman to differentiate the signs of a stroke from other conditions, and only a qualified medical evaluation can provide the correct diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment in time.
