A faculty member of Tehran University of Medical Sciences emphasized the vital role of time in stroke treatment, saying: Stroke is one of the most important causes of disability in the world, and public awareness of the symptoms and rapid action are the key to saving the brain.
According to Radio Salamat Public Relations, Dr. Fahimeh Vahibzad, a neurologist and faculty member of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, referring to the two main types of stroke, said: The first type is hemorrhagic stroke and the second type is ischemic stroke, which occurs due to impaired blood supply to the brain and is more common. In the ischemic type, the interruption of blood flow causes the interruption of oxygen supply to the brain tissue, and about two million brain cells are destroyed every minute; an issue that highlights the vital role of time in the treatment process.
He emphasized: Recognizing the early symptoms by the general public can be very effective in reducing brain damage and saving patients' lives. According to international training, the acronym FAST has been introduced as an initial diagnostic tool; Which includes drooping of one side of the face, motor weakness or asymmetry in the limbs, speech impairment and the importance of immediate action. Every 15 minutes of delay in treatment can significantly reduce brain function and increase the level of disability in patients.
Effective treatments in the acute stage of stroke were also examined; including a blood clot-dissolving drug that can only be used in the first four and a half hours after the onset of symptoms, and the sooner it is injected, the more likely the treatment is to be successful. Another treatment is thrombectomy, which mechanically removes the clot from the large vessels of the brain and can be performed up to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Of course, this treatment requires a careful clinical assessment and specific conditions.
Stating that some people are confused when faced with stroke symptoms and resort to home or traditional treatments, Dr. Vahibzad said: No home method can open blocked vessels in the brain and the only correct action is to immediately call the emergency room and quickly refer to specialized medical centers. He continued by pointing out the importance of secondary stroke prevention, saying: "Contrary to popular belief, stroke is not in many cases the result of fate, but rather the result of lifestyle choices that people make. A healthy diet, especially the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fiber, olive oil, vegetables and fruits and low in red meat and saturated fats, plays an important role in reducing the risk of stroke. Regular exercise, at least 150 minutes a week, ensures the health of the arteries, and quitting smoking can also halve the risk of stroke in the first two years." In conclusion, Wahizad emphasized the role of nutrition in brain health and said: "Controlling blood pressure and diabetes through regular screening, identifying and treating heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation with a simple ECG test, and controlling blood lipids are other important factors in reducing the risk of stroke. The plate we choose determines the future of our brain."
