Sakarya Training and Research Hospital (SEAH) Stroke Center Specialist, Interventional Neurology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Bilgehan Acar gave information about stroke, which has a risk of permanent disability and death, due to the 29 October World Stroke Day.
Stating that it is important to raise awareness in the fight against stroke, Acar stated that the risk of permanent disability and death due to stroke has tended to decrease with the spread of current treatments in recent years.
Noting that despite this situation, the frequency of stroke is still increasing, Acar said, “Even though stroke can be seen at any age, it is more common in individuals over the age of 60. In addition, many causes such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol level, unhealthy diet, obesity, sedentary life, excessive alcohol consumption, substance use, heart rhythm disorders, heart valve diseases are important risk factors for stroke. Being aware of and treating these risk factors will reduce the risk of stroke.
Noting that the stroke started suddenly with some symptoms, Assoc. Dr. Bilgehan Acar said that the most common symptoms include weakness in one half of the body, impaired speech, slip in the mouth, imbalance, difficulty in walking and loss of vision. Acar, “Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Association’s ‘Remedy Early Intervention in Stroke’ slogan emphasizes the importance of stroke clinic and early intervention. It is extremely important that the patient or patient’s relative contact the 112 emergency call center as soon as stroke symptoms appear.
The active application of the methods that will determine the stroke prevention strategy will strengthen us against the risk of stroke. For this reason, doing regular exercise, taking a walk by taking ten thousand steps a day, consuming low-salt and low-fat foods, Mediterranean type diet containing plenty of vegetables and fruits, regular sleep, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and not interrupting the treatment of chronic diseases, if any, will significantly reduce the risk of stroke. ” he said.
Emphasizing that in the last three years that have passed in the shadow of the corona virus, Acar emphasized that the studies carried out worldwide have shown that stroke continues at an increasing rate, and said, “Even though there are limitations and stagnation brought by the corona virus process, the development of the disease will not be prevented unless the risk factors that trigger stroke are eliminated.
Today, stroke treatment is no longer sufficient only with drugs, and in the patient group who meet the appropriate conditions, intravenous serum (thrombolytic) treatment and removal of the clot from the brain (mechanical thrombectomy) with the angiography method can also be performed.
In our center, which started as a Stroke Unit in SEAH in 2014 and was registered as a ‘Stroke Center’ by the TR Ministry of Health in 2020, we served over a thousand patients and stood by them 24 hours a day in their fight against stroke. To raise awareness of this common disease and to draw attention to the improvement of preventive and curative conditions, 29 October was declared as World Stroke Day. On this special day, which coincides with the anniversary of our Republic, we must adequately realize the value of our sovereignty as a nation and our health as individuals.