Strokes or CVA are the second most common cause of death in the world. In our country, up to 19.6% of premature deaths are associated with this disease.

Stroke is understood to be an interruption or reduction in the blood flow to the brain, which stops the brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients. There are two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic is the most frequently, occurring in 80% of all stroke cases. It occurs due to an obstruction or narrowing of a cerebral artery, associated with the accumulation of fat deposits or blood clots, or other wastes.

“If that blockage is not treated, the part of the brain that has lost flow dies in a few hours. This is called a cerebral infarction”, explains Carlos Zapata, Neurologist at our clinic.

According to the specialist, two million neurons die every minute. That is why it is so crucial to take the patient to a health care center as soon as possible. Also, treatments will not be effective in case of any delay. For example, doctors can use emergency medications through an IV; however, they should be administered within 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms (slurred speech and paralysis or numbness of the face and extremities)

Hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs in 20% of cases, is the rupture of a cerebral artery. It can occur for various causes, such as high blood pressure, brain aneurysm, hemorrhage from a tumor, among others. The treatment may consist of pharmacological measures or a surgical procedure if the bleeding is extensive.

Time is the key to face CVA, so you have to be attentive to the symptoms. If the affected person drags his words when speaking or speaks strangely, cannot raise both arms, or his face shows asymmetry he should be taken immediately to a specialized health care center. Nothing else should be done. Do not give any type of medication, as it can be detrimental.

Dr. Carlos Zapata
Neurologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma

Source: El Comercio newspaper