Stroke is sudden onset of neurological disability. It happens because of
sudden blockage of blood vessel in the brain or sudden bleeding in the
brain. Within minutes, the affect part of the brain dies. On average,
every year, 26,000 new patients suffer from stroke in Hong Kong. The
peak time for onset of stroke is when temperature suddenly drops, e.g.
around November to December.
Symptoms of stroke
The symptoms of stroke include (1)
weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, (2) confusion and
drowsiness, (3) difficult to speak, (4) dizziness, (5) blurring of
vision, (6) severe headache, (7) incontinenece, (8) vomiting, and (9)
coma. Mini-stroke means patients suffered for one or more of the above
named symptoms, but only temporarily.
Risk factors
Stroke can be caused by diseases such as, diabetes mellitus, atrial
fibrillations, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol level.
Patient with following diseases would have higher risk of stroke.
- Patients with coronary artery disease, cardiac & peripheral vascular disorders
- Cigarette smoker
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
Some patients have hidden time bomb in the brain, e.g. cerebral aneurysm
or arteriovenous malformation, which may cause bleeding in the brain.
The information provided aims to provide educational purpose, if you
have the described conditions as above, please consult your neurosurgeon
immediately.
