Stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is an obstruction or failure of blood flow to the brain. Its onset is usually abrupt and if not treated early, it can lead to a serious neurological problem and cause permanent disability.
In Mexico, cerebrovascular diseases are the sixth leading cause of death and are more frequent in women than in men, according to 2017 data from INEGI. Stroke is especially dangerous for women over 50 years old, since before menopause estrogens have a protective effect against brain damage.
Among the most common causes of strokes are:
- A bad diet.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol.
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- A high red blood cell count.
The most common symptom of a stroke is loss of muscle strength in the arms, legs, or face. However, other types of alerts should be considered:
- Numbness of the face, legs, or arms.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding what is being said
- Visual problems.
- Difficulty walking, as well as dizziness and loss of balance.
- Intense headache.
- Weakness or loss of consciousness.
Preventing a stroke is possible, especially if the family medical history is known or if symptoms have occurred more frequently in recent months. To prevent it you can:
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.
- Avoid tobacco use.
- Moderate alcohol consumption.
- Consult a specialist about your cardiovascular risk.
In our Neurology Center, we have the Stroke Code program, with which we ensure a fast, coordinated, and efficient treatment. The clinical guidelines validate catheterization as an effective option to recover brain circulation and minimize damage, being ABC Medical Center one of the few health institutions nationwide in which this treatment is offered with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained personnel to perform the procedure. In addition, the procedure is performed in 45 minutes from the time the patient enters the hospital, below the international standard of 60 minutes, so lesions are not severe and there are minor aftereffects.
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center – STROKE, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
https://www.inegi.org.mx/contenidos/saladeprensa/boletines/2018/EstSociodemo/DEFUNCIONES2017.pdf
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/43402/9243546724_spa.pdf;jsessionid=536C3C29A662A8E05D3456B29DB134D7?sequence=1
