Winter Increases The Risk Of Stroke: Dr. Sushma Sharma

By Dr. Sushma Sharma in Neurosciences Neurology

Jan 4, 2020

In the winter season, the chances of brain stroke increase by 30 percent said Dr. Sushma Sharma, Sr. Neurologist & HOD at Metro Hospital Faridabad. Awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of timely treatment is extremely important. Timely treatment within the first 4.5 hours of stroke provides a 70 percent chance of recovery. Stroke patients can recover completely with the help of timely treatment.

What is stroke?

A sudden stoppage of blood flow in the artery of the brain is called the stroke. The blood flow in the brain arteries stops due to the formation of a blood clot or a sudden burst of an artery. If a stroke is not detected early, it can result in permanent brain damage or death. Stroke can happen to any person and at any age. It is a matter of concern that the cases of stroke are increasing and the age of stroke is decreasing. People who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, may have a higher risk of stroke.

Stroke can be recognized by the sudden onset of any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden weakness in the face, arms or legs.
• Loss of vision or blurred vision·
• Difficulty in speaking and understanding·
• Unstable walking

In this situation, the patient should be taken without any delay to a stroke ready hospital, where a 24×7 CT scan, MRI facility is available, as the timely treatment within the first few hours of onset increases chances of good recovery considerably and the patient can be saved from a stroke.

Who are at risk of stroke?

People with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol are most likely to get it. By making changes in your lifestyle, you can control these risk factors.

Why the risk of stroke increases in winter

High blood pressure, an increase in infection rate and a sedentary lifestyle are the cause of increased cases of stroke. During winters, the blood becomes thick, due to to which the thin tubes of blood become narrower and their pressure increases. Such a situation also creates a risk of stroke.