A medical emergency where blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die and potentially permanent disability.
CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY. Use the F.A.S.T. method: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency. Stroke is a medical emergency—every minute counts. Treatment within the first 3-4.5 hours dramatically improves outcomes.
Find a Specialist NowStroke is the third leading cause of death in the Philippines and a leading cause of long-term disability. Every year, thousands of Filipinos suffer strokes, and many who survive face life-altering consequences. Understanding stroke—how to recognize it, respond to it, and prevent it—can save lives, including your own or that of someone you love.
A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced. Brain cells need a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood. When blood flow stops, brain cells begin to die within minutes. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected and how much damage occurs.
There are two main types of stroke:
Ischemic Stroke (85% of cases): Occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. This is similar to what happens in a heart attack but occurs in the brain's blood vessels.
Hemorrhagic Stroke (15% of cases): Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding tissue. This can be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysms, or blood vessel malformations.
A third related condition is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a "mini-stroke." In a TIA, blood flow is temporarily blocked, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within minutes to hours. TIAs are serious warning signs—about one-third of people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke.
When it comes to stroke, time is brain. The faster a person receives treatment, the more brain tissue can be saved. The F.A.S.T. acronym helps everyone remember the warning signs:
F - Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
A - Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?
S - Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T - Time to Call Emergency: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Note the time when symptoms first appeared—this information is crucial for treatment decisions.
Additional warning signs include sudden:
During a stroke, approximately 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that treatment is delayed. Modern stroke treatments can be remarkably effective but only if given quickly:
tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator): This "clot-busting" medication can dissolve blood clots in ischemic stroke, but it must be given within 3-4.5 hours of symptom onset. Studies show that patients treated with tPA are more likely to recover with little or no disability.
Mechanical Thrombectomy: For some patients with large vessel occlusions, doctors can physically remove the clot using a catheter inserted through the blood vessels. This procedure can be performed up to 24 hours after symptom onset in select patients.
The message is clear: stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate action.
Many risk factors for stroke are particularly prevalent in the Philippines:
Hypertension: High blood pressure is the single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. Unfortunately, many Filipinos have uncontrolled hypertension. The high-sodium Filipino diet, stress, and lack of regular health monitoring all contribute.
Diabetes: The Philippines has one of the highest diabetes rates in Asia, and diabetes significantly increases stroke risk by damaging blood vessels.
Smoking: With approximately 16 million Filipino smokers, tobacco use remains a major contributor to stroke risk.
Atrial Fibrillation: This irregular heart rhythm increases stroke risk five-fold by allowing blood clots to form in the heart, which can then travel to the brain.
Diet and Lifestyle: Diets high in saturated fats, sodium, and processed foods, combined with physical inactivity, contribute to the conditions that cause stroke.
Stroke survival is just the beginning of the journey. Recovery depends on many factors, including the stroke's severity, location, and how quickly treatment was received. Common challenges stroke survivors face include:
Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery. A comprehensive stroke rehabilitation program may include:
Physical Therapy: Helps regain movement, strength, and balance. Many stroke survivors relearn how to walk, dress, and perform daily activities.
Speech-Language Therapy: Addresses communication difficulties and swallowing problems that often occur after stroke.
Occupational Therapy: Focuses on regaining independence in daily activities like eating, bathing, and cooking.
Psychological Support: Depression affects up to one-third of stroke survivors. Mental health support is an essential part of recovery.
Up to 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes and proper management of health conditions:
Control Blood Pressure: Check blood pressure regularly and work with your doctor to keep it below 120/80 mmHg. Take prescribed medications consistently.
Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, careful blood sugar control reduces stroke risk significantly.
Quit Smoking: The risk of stroke decreases substantially after quitting and continues to decline over time.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Emphasize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods.
Limit Alcohol: If you drink, do so in moderation—no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
Know Your Heart Rhythm: Atrial fibrillation can be detected through pulse checks or monitoring devices. If diagnosed, treatment can reduce stroke risk by 60-70%.
In the Philippines, access to specialized stroke care varies greatly by location. Know which hospitals in your area have stroke capabilities. Advocate for better stroke awareness and emergency response in your community. The life you save could be your own or that of someone you love.
Remember: Stroke strikes fast. You should too.
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