The human brain is the most complex and important organ of the body. It controls all our abilities, like thinking, understanding, speaking, walking, and feeling. When there is any obstruction or serious damage to the brain, it can affect our normal physical and mental functions. There are two such serious conditions – brain stroke and coma, which are considered hazardous conditions related to the brain. In this article, we will provide a detailed understanding of brain stroke and coma, including their causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention measures.
What is brain stroke?
Brain stroke is called “brain stroke” in Hindi. It is a condition when the blood supply to the brain suddenly stops or is interrupted, due to which any part of the brain does not get oxygen and nutrients. The result is – death of brain cells.
Types of brain stroke
Ischemic stroke:
- This is the most common type of stroke (in about 85% of cases).
- When a blood clot forms in a blood vessel in the brain and stops blood flow.
Hemorrhagic Stroke:
- When a blood vessel in the brain bursts and the brain starts filling with blood.
- This condition can be extremely fatal.
- TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack):
- It is also called a “mini stroke”.
The blood flow is interrupted for a short time and then becomes normal, but it can be a warning sign that a major stroke may occur in the future.
Causes of brain stroke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Obesity and inactive lifestyle
- Heart disease
- Family history (genetic reasons)
- Excessive mental stress
Symptoms of brain stroke
Symptoms of brain stroke can be sudden and intense. The FAST formula is used to identify these:
- F (Face): Drooping of one side of the face or uneven smile
- A (Arms): Difficulty in raising both hands or weakness of one hand
- S (Speech): Difficulty in speaking, words being slurred
- T (Time): It is important to start treatment on time
Other symptoms include:
- Sudden severe headache
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Inability to walk
- Loss of consciousness
- Treatment of brain stroke
Emergency treatment:
- It is very important to start treatment within the first 3-4.5 hours of stroke.
- Thrombolytic drugs (such as tPA) are given in ischemic stroke which dissolves the blood clot.
- Surgery may be required in hemorrhagic stroke.
Rehabilitation:
Recovery of the patient is possible with physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychological counseling.
What is coma?
Coma is a condition in which a person remains unconscious for a long time and it is difficult to revive him. This can be due to a serious brain injury or disease. A person in a coma can neither feel anything, nor react, nor understand the things around him.
Causes of Coma
- Brain stroke
- Serious head injury or accident
- Extreme rise or fall in sugar levels in diabetes
- Lack of oxygen
- Infection (such as meningitis, encephalitis)
- Severe epileptic seizure
- Poison or drug overdose
- Brain tumor
Symptoms of Coma
- Prolonged unconsciousness
- Eyes not opening or staying open and not responding
- Not responding to sound or touch
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heart rate
- Sometimes jerks or muscle movements
Treatment of Coma
The treatment of coma depends on its cause:
- If the cause of coma is stroke, the stroke is treated.
- The sugar imbalance is corrected immediately.
- Antibiotics are given if there is an infection.
- Steroids and surgery can be done for brain swelling.
In case of coma, the patient is kept in ICU where his breathing, heart rate and other organs are monitored. Sometimes coma gets cured in a few days, but in many cases it can last for months or even years.
Difference Between Brain Stroke and Coma
| Characteristics | brain stroke | Coma |
| Definition | blockage of blood flow to the brain | deep unconsciousness of the brain |
| Cause | blood clot, bleeding | Injury, stroke, diabetes, infection |
| Condition | The patient may be conscious | Patient is completely unconscious |
| Danger | Danger to life and limb | serious threat to life |
Preventive measures
- Get regular health checkups (BP, sugar, cholesterol)
- Eat healthy food – fruits, vegetables, low fat food
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Stay away from mental stress
- Get enough sleep
- Take medicines on time and consult a doctor
Conclusion
Brain stroke and coma are both severe mind conditions that could completely alternate a person’s existence. Timely identification, spark off remedy and focus can save you these dangers. If someone shows symptoms of stroke or all of sudden faints, the maximum crucial step is to hurry to the medical institution at once. Being conscious, careful and adopting a healthful life-style is the fine way to prevent these brain diseases.
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