In case of a stroke, which side is more dangerous, left or right?

Left hemisphere stroke is a stroke that affects the left hemisphere of the brain. It occurs an order of magnitude more often than a right hemisphere stroke, which is explained by the functions of the circulatory system. At the moment, medical advances make it possible to avoid serious consequences in the event of a stroke of the left hemisphere.

Features of a left hemisphere stroke

The main features of a left hemisphere stroke are paralysis of the right limbs, difficulties with the speech apparatus and disruption of the human motor system. Stroke occurs in a predominant number of cases in patients suffering from diabetes, overweight people and those whose cholesterol in the body exceeds the norm. It is worth noting that with a stroke of the left hemisphere, the first symptoms appear on the right side. Scientifically speaking, during a stroke, brain cells die and neural connections are affected.

It must be said that left-sided stroke appears gradually, it has two stages. At the first stage, a person feels excessive sweating and increased heart rate - it is called an ischemic attack and lasts several minutes. If no action is taken, the second, more severe stage occurs. Then the person experiences fainting or semi-fainting, and nausea.

Functions of the left hemisphere

• Speech, memorizing words, learning other languages;
• Letter;
• Reading;
• Check;
• Good mood (joy, friendliness, happiness, goodwill);
• Motor functions of the right side of the body;
• Humor;
• Logical thinking;
• Extraordinary thinking;
• Reading maps and diagrams;
• Memorization;
• Chronological order of events that occurred;
• Future plans;
• Detailed consideration of situations;
• Formulating a question, problem, task;
• Active in conversations, desire to communicate;
• Assessment of situations and events;
• Optimistic view of the world;
• Linear representations;
• Analysis;
• Interpreting words or phrases through signs and symbols;
• Structure;
• Predictability;
• Sequential information processing.

Expert opinion

Author: Georgy Romanovich Popov

Neurologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences

In the structure of mortality, stroke ranks third after heart attacks and cancer. As a result of acute cerebrovascular accident, loss of ability to work develops. In 20–30% of cases, patients lose it completely. According to WHO statistics, 30% of strokes are fatal. Impaired cerebral circulation leads to disability. More than 60% of patients become disabled, 10% lose the ability to self-care. Such statistics are disappointing because recently doctors have been recording the occurrence of stroke at a young age.

Diagnosis of left-sided lesions is made much more often. This form of pathology has characteristic clinical signs in contrast to right-sided lesions. The Yusupov Hospital uses the latest CT and MRI equipment for examination. This is an informative way to quickly determine the location of the pathological focus and the degree of damage to brain tissue. Qualified neurologists at the Yusupov Hospital develop an individual treatment plan. Each patient is provided with preventive recommendations. Compliance with medical prescriptions can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of another stroke.

How to minimize the consequences

Most patients who have had a stroke become unable to work. 20-30% of people remain helpless and need constant care from relatives or a caregiver. Can this be avoided? Yes. To do this, when the acute phase, which lasts up to 3 weeks, has passed, you will have to undergo a mandatory rehabilitation course.

Restorative procedures are selected individually. They usually include the following types of treatment:

• speech restoration; For this purpose, classes are conducted with a speech therapist. The process of restoring speech after a stroke is difficult and not always successful, but it is possible to partially restore speech;
• Exercise therapy to restore motor functions; the patient is engaged in physical therapy, developing muscles. Classes begin in the hospital, under the guidance of a physical therapy specialist, after discharge you can study independently with the help of family members;
• massage to improve skin sensitivity and restore fine motor skills; done by a specialist in the hospital; after discharge, therapeutic massage sessions can be performed at home by the patient’s relatives or doctors;
• dietary food; Spicy, fatty, fried, smoked foods should not be consumed. More specific recommendations depend on the state of health, concomitant diseases and bad habits of a given person.
• psychological rehabilitation; The patient needs the support of his family, loved ones, a friendly atmosphere, and a gentle regimen like air. In addition, specialized doctors work with him - a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist.

Causes of left hemisphere stroke

1. Obesity. If a person is not physically active, they are at risk of stroke. In order to protect yourself from this, you should lead a healthy lifestyle: eat right, exercise regularly.
2. Too much physical activity. The other side of physical activity - overexertion - can also lead to a stroke, therefore, you need to correctly calculate your strength, you cannot use up your entire energy reserve, it is important to take long breaks between workouts, and then put a sharp load on the body.
3. Excessive use of medications. Oversaturation with drugs can lead not only to stroke, but also to a number of other diseases. Therefore, you should always monitor this and consult a doctor before taking medications.
4. Violation of body functions that arise due to a person’s lack of physical activity (this is called physical inactivity).
5. Vascular diseases and heart diseases. Normal pain can lead to a stroke if you do not see a doctor and do not follow the right treatment.
6. Autoimmune diseases are pathologies that appear due to a failure of the body’s defenses.
7. Diabetes.
8. Vein thrombosis is a venous disease in which a blood clot (i.e. thrombus) forms in the lumen of a vessel, which leads to impaired blood circulation in this perimeter of the skin.
9. Arterial hypertension is a prolonged excess of blood pressure in a calm, peaceful state.
10. Age characteristics of the body. Even natural aging can cause disruption of certain functions in the body.
11. Alcohol abuse.
12. Smoking.
13. Regular or long-term use of contraceptives.
14. The appearance of vasculitis - diseases affecting the capillaries of the skin, joints, intestinal tract and kidneys.

Symptoms of a left hemisphere stroke:

• Insensitivity. Numbness in the arms and legs can be the cause of a person’s pre-stroke condition;
• Poor spatial orientation, loss of control over one’s own body;
• Unnatural facial expression. For example, the corners of the lips may be raised, which creates the feeling that the face is skewed, and the lower eyelid, on the contrary, is drooping;
• Convulsions and vomiting;
• Pain in the head that increases, prolonged dizziness;
• Blurred vision, vision deteriorates significantly;
• Speech apparatus disorder;
• Severe, prolonged pain in the chest area;
• Clouding of consciousness;
• Photophobia and sound sensitivity;
• Unjustified surges in blood pressure in the body;
• Restriction of movements.

Symptoms can also be divided into three groups:

1. General symptoms. They appear due to increased pressure and disruption of the meninges. It is quite difficult to immediately understand that this is a pre-stroke condition. Only if the stroke is extensive, the signs are obvious.
2. Vegetative symptoms. They occur as a result of pressure fluctuations and heartbeat disturbances. It is easier to track these symptoms because the patient’s skin color changes, panic grows, and he begins to fear death.
3. Symptoms of the neurological picture of the disease. They appear due to the focus of the disease. They are accompanied by impaired sensitivity, numbness of the limbs, convulsions, loss of hearing, vision and sometimes even memory.

A stroke does not last long, only a few minutes, but sometimes, if care is not taken to treat the patient, it can be fatal. A left hemisphere stroke is accompanied by:

• paralysis of the right side of the body;
• unintelligible speech;
• short-term amnesia.

Prerequisites for brain stroke

There are various prerequisites or, as they are also called, precursors of a stroke.

1. Often dizziness;
2. Headaches, most often at night or in the evening;
3. Sudden loss of coordination;
4. Increased blood pressure;
5. Sudden deterioration in speech and memory;
6. Numbness in the body;
7. Increased sweating;
8. Increased blood sugar.

Knowing these prerequisites, you can consult a doctor in time and begin treatment.

Which stroke is more dangerous: right-sided or left-sided?

When comparing right-sided and left-sided strokes, it is impossible to say for sure which one is more dangerous because each has its own consequences, but some believe that right-sided stroke entails more difficulties. When the right hemisphere is damaged, patients are unable to perform usual actions again; they have to learn walking, writing, literacy, and speech, which greatly affects social adaptation. They are also forced to relearn tactile sensations and control of their own actions and body. This takes a lot of time and effort, so some patients may give up at this stage. But people with a right-sided hemisphere stroke are less susceptible to depression and mental disorders, and this speeds up their recovery process.

Paralysis after an attack

Types of paralysis

Motor abilities are affected in 88% of stroke cases.

Paralysis is divided according to the number of affected limbs:

• Monoplegia . Only one limb on any side does not work (for example, the right arm or left leg is paralyzed).
• Diplegia . Two limbs of the same type are affected - either both arms or both legs.
• Triplegia . The disease affected three limbs.
• Tetraplegia . All arms and legs are affected.

Based on the part of the brain where the stroke occurred, there are two types of paralysis:

1. Central . The lesion affects the cells of the corticospinal tract. It manifests itself as muscle hypertonicity, which is why this type is also called spastic. The functioning of the musculoskeletal system is disrupted.
2. Peripheral . It is characterized by decreased muscle tone and reflexes fading.

The further development of events after the attack depends on the state of health of the person before the stroke, the quality and lifestyle of his life, and age. Factors such as adherence to the regimen, compliance with doctor’s orders, stress, and bad habits also play an important role.

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Diagnosis of left hemisphere stroke

In order to diagnose a left hemisphere stroke before hospitalization, an experienced specialist only needs to visually assess the patient’s condition. Thanks to certain factors, he is able to notice and diagnose the disease.

List of these factors:

• Smile of a patient. The doctor should ask the patient to smile, and if one side of the mouth is higher or lower than the other, that is, the smile is skewed, this means the first sign of a left hemisphere stroke.
• Incoherent slow speech. If the patient speaks unintelligibly, illogically, with long pauses, this is also one of the signs of a left hemisphere stroke.
• Impairment of the musculoskeletal system. In the case of a stroke, the patient has poor control of his body, he has problems with movement and coordination. Often he cannot stand firmly on his feet and maintain balance, which provokes a fall.
• Semi-fainting and impaired consciousness of the patient.
• The patient complains of headache, blurred vision, double vision.

Differential diagnosis can be divided into two criteria:

1. Criterion for thrombosis of a cerebral vessel. The age most often exceeds 50 years. Focal neurological symptoms often occur. Pallor is characteristic. Appears gradually. Most often occurs at night or early in the morning.
2. A criterion for embolism (a process during which particles that should not occur there under normal conditions circulate in the blood and lymph) of the brain. Absolutely any age with the presence of embolism. No previous symptoms. Pallor also appears on the patient’s face. The onset of the disease occurs suddenly.

During instrumental diagnosis of a stroke in the left hemisphere, a slowdown in blood supply to brain tissue is detected, which causes poor functioning and destruction of neurons. In most cases, this occurs due to blockage of blood vessels by a blood clot.

General diagnosis of left hemisphere stroke:

• Taking an anamnesis is collecting facts about the patient’s condition from people close to him.
• Visit to a neurologist.
• Blood tests as part of laboratory diagnostics.
• Complete examination of the human body.
• Examination using computed tomography of the brain or MRI.
• ECG (electrocardiogram).
• Blood pressure measurement.

Reasons for appearance

Cerebral infarction is always associated with damage to blood vessels or disruption of their normal patency. The dynamics of the blood and its composition change. The catastrophe affects the basin of the middle (right) cerebral artery and provokes exogenous and endogenous factors.

Right hemisphere stroke occurs due to:

• Constant use of alcohol, drugs, smoking.
• Intense physical activity, frequent stress.
• Hypertension, hypotension.
• Excess weight, which sharply increases cholesterol levels.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Aneurysms, atherosclerosis, tumors.
• Diseases of the kidneys, cerebral vessels, heart.
• Taking hormonal contraceptives without control is the cause of right-sided stroke in women, accompanied by severe consequences.
• Hereditary or congenital pathologies of the heart (defect), endocrine system, blood are the cause of cerebral hemorrhage in children.

Depending on the type of blow, the factors that provoke hemorrhage change:

Right-sided stroke in men, women, and children provokes the loss of essential skills for a normal life. Recovery takes a long time, often you have to learn to walk, talk, write again, and regain sensitivity in the upper and lower extremities.

Differential diagnosis of different types of stroke

This type of diagnosis is performed to distinguish ischemic stroke (left hemisphere) from hemorrhagic stroke. Most often this is possible through CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Diagnostics will also make it possible to distinguish a stroke from a number of other diseases (tumors, hypertension and others). If a hemorrhagic stroke is suspected, fluid is often removed from the spinal cord. Sometimes a picture of the eyeball is taken to see if there is blood or vascular changes on the retina.

Modern treatment options

Treatment of a stroke should begin from the place where it was detected or suspected. First of all, emergency care measures should be provided, if necessary resuscitation with early hospitalization of the patient to the nearest medical facility.

Modern medical tactics regarding the management and treatment of strokes depend on many factors. In general terms, the diagnostic and treatment process can be described in the form of a table.

Treatment of left hemisphere stroke

Before the doctor arrives, it is important to provide the patient with the necessary first aid. It is worth following a specific algorithm of actions. The main thing is not to panic, not to react to the patient’s panic, not to get irritated, to do everything confidently and carefully, otherwise death may occur before the ambulance team arrives.

So, there are several methods of providing assistance before the arrival of doctors; they will help improve the patient’s condition:

1. Place the patient on a flat surface and place a pillow under the head to elevate it slightly.
2. Remove all clothing that presses, causes discomfort or paralyzes movement. Be sure to unfasten your belt, take off your tie, and unbutton your shirt.
3. If there are symptoms of vomiting, carefully turn the patient's head to the side so that vomit does not enter the throat or respiratory tract.
4. Open a window or window to make it easier for the patient to breathe and allow air to enter the room.
5. When convulsions occur, it is necessary to prevent tongue biting.
6. If possible, blood pressure should be measured.

Doctors carry out therapy that minimizes trauma to the patient’s nerves and muscles. It preserves the functioning of the brain and cardiovascular system, helps restore blood circulation and brain tissue. With the combination of all methods of this therapy, we will obtain the best effect for the health and condition of the patient.

However, there are rare cases when this therapy does not give the desired result. Then drug therapy is prescribed, which includes a number of drugs necessary to maintain the patient’s condition and aimed at normalizing blood flow. Thrombotic therapy is also effective and beneficial. But it should be noted that drug therapy must be prescribed to the patient within five hours after a left hemisphere stroke; the drug is quite strong - it inflames blood clots and restores blood circulation.

If all treatment is not effective enough, the patient is prescribed special preventive measures and rehabilitation courses aimed at maintaining the functioning of the body.

Drug therapy includes several groups of drugs:

1. Thrombolytics are medications that can dissolve blood clots. They should be activated in the first hours after blood clots resolve.
2. Anticoagulants are medicinal substances that inhibit the activity of the blood coagulation system and prevent the formation of blood clots.
3. Tablets and regulators that help lower blood pressure.
4. Vasoactive drugs are medications whose effect is to improve blood supply to nerve tissue cells.
5. Neuroprotectors are drugs that protect nerve cells from the effects of negative factors.
6. Nootropic drugs are drugs that have a specific effect on the higher mental functions of the brain (that is, these are processes that are unique to humans).
7. Vitamins.

Also, for a stroke of the left hemisphere, surgery can be used. It exists to remove the inner wall of the carotid artery damaged due to a stroke during surgery. The operation is most often performed under local anesthesia, as it is not very difficult for experienced specialists. There should be no long-term complications after it; the patient most often recovers within a few weeks. The operation is quick: the attending surgeon makes a small incision for the patient in the desired area (where the artery is damaged), then finds the carotid artery, applies a clamp and removes atheromatous plaques (deposits on the vessels, which most often cause circulatory problems) from the artery wall.

Consequences

What should you expect if you do not see a doctor on time or do not comply with the indicated treatment? Such negligence towards one's health can lead to complicated consequences of a stroke.

These include:

1. Poor speech or lack thereof;
2. Facial asymmetry on the right;
3. Difficulty in movement and articulation;
4. Convulsive movements;
5. Difficulty in perceiving and analyzing situations;
6. Difficulty accepting new information;
7. Permanent depression;
8. Reduced learning functions;
9. Complete or partial paralysis.

Early complications of stroke cause death within a month for 25% of patients. It is necessary to follow all the doctor’s instructions and prescriptions in a timely manner so as not to trigger the disease.

Forecast and what are the chances of survival

It is impossible to say exactly how long patients live after suffering from the disease.
The prognosis for life and the chances of survival are individual for each patient who has suffered a stroke of the right hemisphere.

It all depends on how quickly treatment is started and how many brain cells are affected.

After all, the more neurons affected by the stroke, the more difficult it is for the patient to recover.

One third of patients die in the first month after the onset of the disease. A poor prognosis awaits older people and people with chronic diseases. For young people, the chance to recover and recover is several times greater, since their body is stronger and many chronic diseases that already exist in old age are absent. In 30% of cases, the disease can recur after a while.

Survival after a stroke within a year is almost 70%, within 5 years - about 50%, within 10 years - 25%.

Rehabilitation after a stroke of the left hemisphere

So, after a stroke, it is important not only to recover, but also to undergo a recovery course in order to bring your life back to normal, get rid of the discomfort after the disease and prevent its recurrence. This is most important for the body, because it is at the time of rehabilitation that all functions affected by a stroke are restored. In order for rehabilitation to be more successful, efficient and faster, patients are encouraged to stay in a special center.

However, before talking about the necessary rehabilitation measures, it is worth mentioning what body functions were affected during a left hemisphere stroke:

• Smell, sight and hearing;
• Short-term memory;
• Ability to analyze a situation, process information, think, logic, etc.;
• Solving problems, reading books, writing;
• Speech;
• Abstract thinking;
• Understanding the meaning of phrases, situations, words;
• Propulsion system.

The more functions are impaired, the longer the rehabilitation. Most often, it takes a long period, and the patient must remain under the supervision of doctors for some time. It is worth noting that the duration of treatment directly depends on the assistance that was provided to the patient during a stroke of the left hemisphere, therefore it is so important to immediately respond to all symptoms, be able to provide first aid, promptly call an ambulance or consult a doctor.

If a patient undergoes rehabilitation in a special center (and this most often happens), he works with a speech therapist and psychologist, attends massages, physical treatments, and takes the necessary medications prescribed by a doctor. He also undergoes special therapy aimed at forcing actions and movement until a certain important function in the body is restored. Sports play a key role; they usually take place in groups under the supervision of a specialist.

Rehabilitation is divided into three periods:

1. Early (first 6 months);
2. Late (6-12 months);
3. Residual (from 12 months).

During the recovery process, it is important to follow the diet prescribed by doctors. It is necessary to increase the proportion of foods that contain fiber in the diet; patients also benefit from red and purple foods; they are allowed to eat meat, vegetables and fruits.

Products that should not be consumed during rehabilitation:

• Dairy products (milk, cottage cheese, cheese, sour cream, cream, kefir);
• Fatty food;
• Eggs;
• Products containing sugar.
• Beef meat.

The diet must be followed so that the body recovers faster after a left hemisphere stroke.

It must be emphasized that during rehabilitation people should not drink alcohol, smoke, or lead an unhealthy lifestyle. The body must recover comprehensively, because a stroke disrupts not only the functioning of the brain, but also other vital functions. It is advisable to eat right, do regular exercise, spend more time in the fresh air, and walk.

Rehabilitation

The duration and quality of recovery after illness is difficult to predict. It all depends on the severity of the damage to brain structures and the characteristics of the body. Comprehensive rehabilitation under the supervision of specialists is the most important factor that helps to get rid of functional disorders. Recovery at home is possible, but in this case there is no chance of comprehensive application of effective measures for the patient:

• Therapeutic, restorative massage is necessary to restore lost motor function of the limbs on both the right and left sides. Manipulations are carried out with increasing intensity, gently influencing the muscles, relaxing them, relieving tension and painful spasms.
• Emotional and physical peace - the victim must be in an atmosphere that stimulates the desire, the ability to be treated.
• Exercise therapy under the guidance of experienced rehabilitation therapists - this approach allows you to get rid of paralysis, restore normal coordination of movements, restore lost functions, and fully control the body.
• Dietary diet - it is developed by specialists, excluding dangerous factors that provoke an increase in cholesterol levels and the appearance of plaques in blood vessels.
• Quitting smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs.
• Concomitant treatment of chronic diseases that negatively affect the vascular system.
• Sessions with a neurologist, physiotherapist, psychologist.

If rehabilitation occurs at home, a patient who is paralyzed needs to change body position every 2 hours. This will minimize the risk of bedsores and will not allow the muscles to quickly atrophy in combination with massage. It is necessary to organize a flat surface, without bumps or folds of the bed.

After an illness, a doctor may recommend visiting the pool to strengthen muscles and immunity, and get rid of cramps. It is useful to master breathing exercises that saturate the blood with oxygen. Walking will help you quickly restore your physical shape, strengthen your muscles, cope with shortness of breath, and get rid of excess weight.

Consequences and complications of left hemisphere stroke

Even with all of the above rules, sometimes the patient experiences consequences and complications after a left hemisphere stroke. This:

• Slower speech, problems connecting words. This can be corrected by studying with a speech therapist, but treatment does not always restore speech completely.
• Epilepsy is a process during which a person experiences unexpected seizures.
• Occasional difficulty eating due to problems swallowing.
• Changes in a person’s character and behavior. The patient may experience irritation, unjustified anger, or, conversely, sadness.
• The emergence of mental disorders. For example, the appearance of uncontrollable laughter and crying for no reason.
• Retardation of movements.

The older the patient, the more complications he may experience. Complications such as fever, frequent convulsions, and vomiting can significantly complicate the rehabilitation process.

Sometimes recovery is complicated by the behavior of the patient himself. There are also cases when he does not agree to stay in a special center and undergo rehabilitation, believing that after a course of procedures and treatment he is absolutely healthy. However, ignoring the consequences of a left hemisphere stroke cannot lead to anything good. Often, after some time, the patient is forced to see a doctor again and still undergo treatment at the center.

What are the consequences of the hemorrhagic form of the disorder?

The consequences accompanying a hemorrhagic stroke are in many ways similar to the manifestations of an ischemic one. Their difference is in a more severe form of the course. The following violations are observed:

• difficulty pronouncing and slow speech perception;
• complications with swallowing movements;
• limited use of limbs or complete paralysis;
• weakening of attentiveness and inadequate assessment of the surrounding situation;
• weakening of mental abilities, memory loss;
• depression accompanied by frequent changes in mood;
• the appearance of excessive aggressiveness, followed by complete apathy;
• slow reaction;
• blurred vision;
• severe pain in different parts of the body;
• the occurrence of epileptic seizures.

Prognosis for treatment of left hemisphere stroke

The further prognosis of a person’s life after a stroke of the left hemisphere is very individual. Much depends on age, what treatment was prescribed to the patient, whether he was given first aid, procedures during rehabilitation, adherence to the diet recommended by the doctor and sessions with a psychotherapist.

It should be noted that patients who were treated at home rather than in hospital fared significantly worse. The vast majority (about 95%) will die. Also at risk are people who faint frequently, or have problems with their mental health, muscles and joints. To prevent death due to these diseases, they also need to be given proper attention and treatment.

Five years later, many patients have a second left hemisphere stroke. If not, then the chances of a long life increase. However, this is only possible in 11% of all patients. This is why first aid, seeing a doctor, quickly taking action and rehabilitation are so important - if all these points are observed, the likelihood that the patient will fall into these 11% increases.

Spinal stroke

In a spinal stroke, blood circulation is disrupted in the spinal cord. This is a very serious illness, leading to loss of ability to work and even complete paralysis. Other consequences:

1. Partial hysthesia or anesthesia is a loss of sensation in some parts of the body. A person stops feeling pain and temperature changes. It is difficult to identify objects by touch.
2. Paresis of the limbs - weakened muscles, difficulty in independent movement and the impossibility of even small physical activities.
3. Impaired urination and defecation – urination is no longer controlled and may manifest itself as constant discharge of droplets. Difficult bowel movements or, conversely, uncontrollable bowel movements.

Spinal stroke is treatable. With timely access to doctors and rehabilitation, a 100% return to work is possible.

Prevention of left hemisphere stroke

Prevention includes all the same measures as rehabilitation. A person does physical exercise, only now at home, follows a diet, and carefully monitors his diet. Also, during prevention, it is necessary to be examined by a doctor at certain intervals and take the necessary tests in order to understand whether there is a deterioration or not. If the first symptoms of a recurrence of a left hemisphere stroke appear, you must immediately consult a specialist and undergo treatment. If the risk of a second stroke is high enough, you should return to a special center.

Although the risk of death during a left hemisphere stroke is high, there is a chance of full recovery after rehabilitation. After treatment in the hospital, you only need to follow the doctor’s instructions, follow a diet and exercise in a special center. His future fate depends on what efforts a person makes to recover.

Consequences of a stroke: how to cope with them

A stroke is an acute injury to the blood vessels of the brain, in which an area of ​​the brain is left without blood supply. As a result, the metabolism in the tissues stops, and within a few minutes their death begins.
A stroke is dangerous precisely because of its consequences, as well as the speed of their possible development and onset. The severity of the consequences depends on several factors: the type of stroke, the extent of the affected area of ​​the brain, and the general condition of the body. And this, in turn, depends on how quickly medical assistance was provided - in the acute phase of a stroke, minutes count. About a third of all cases result in the death of the patient; survivors must undergo treatment and rehabilitation. Stroke most often occurs in older people, but around the world there is an alarming trend toward “rejuvenation” of the disease.

How to recognize a stroke and provide first aid

An ischemic stroke takes longer to develop than a hemorrhagic stroke, the total duration is up to a day, but more nerve cells die every hour, so help must be provided as early as possible. To do this, run a simple test:

• the patient's smile will be asymmetrical, one corner of the mouth will be slightly lowered;
• it is difficult to raise both arms up at the same time;
• it is difficult to speak, to pronounce even simple phrases.

Such manifestations may indicate the onset of an acute ischemic stroke, and there is no more than four hours to save a person’s life. You should immediately call a doctor and then try to provide first aid:

• lay the patient on his back, raising his head and turning it to the side;
• open windows and doors, unfasten the victim’s clothes to resume the flow of oxygen;
• If you can, measure your blood pressure, then you can give previously prescribed medications. No medications should be given without a doctor's prescription;
• during convulsions, open your mouth, put a towel in so that the patient does not bite his tongue;
• remove dentures from your mouth, if any, remove vomit;
• in case of cardiac arrest, begin resuscitation;
• rub your limbs, do a massage to improve blood circulation;
• Apply a cold compress to your forehead.

Upon arrival of the ambulance, prehospital care begins, which includes taking medications to lower blood pressure and thrombolytic drugs to dissolve blood clots.