A stroke or cerebral infarction, also known as CVA (Cerebrovascular accident), is considered the first cause of disability in the world and the second in mortality. This condition occurs when blood flow does not reach the brain, causing neurons to die irreversibly. Generally, stroke is associated with older people, which does not mean that young people cannot suffer from it. On this occasion, Dr. Marla Gallo, interventional neurologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on the subject.

Symptoms

: Among the most common symptoms we have:

• Paralysis of the face or facial asymmetry
• Paralysis of one half of the body
• Language alteration

This last symptom occurs when people have difficulty pronouncing words, do not understand what others say, and cannot adequately express their thoughts.

Risk factors

The main risk factors are:

• High blood pressure; considered the main risk factor, since it can trigger a stroke
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Inadequate nutrition
• Consumption of tobacco and alcohol

Treatment

The treatment provided includes medication, surgery, and rehabilitation, depending on the patient’s condition. People who suffer a stroke should be treated within the first 4 hours and a half to reduce the risk of sequelae or mortality; the sooner it is treated, the greater the chances of successful rehabilitation and recovery.

Prevention

It is important to adopt the following recommendations to prevent a stroke:

• Control blood pressure and cholesterol
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle
• Quickly recognize symptoms
• Eat healthy
• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption

Dra. Marla Gallo
Interventional neurologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma