A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. Stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. The effects of a stroke can be devastating, leading to disability and even death. Understanding the signs and symptoms of stroke, and acting quickly, can significantly improve outcomes.  

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly and can vary depending on the area of the brain affected. It's crucial to remember the acronym FAST:

Face: Is one side of the face drooping? Ask the person to smile.

Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Is speech slurred or are they unable to speak? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

Time: Time is of the essence. If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Other symptoms of stroke can include:

Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden severe headache with no known cause

There are two main types of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain. The blockage can be due to a blood clot (thrombotic stroke) or a piece of plaque that breaks off from another part of the body and travels to the brain (embolic stroke).

Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into the brain. This can be caused by high blood pressure, aneurysms (bulges in blood vessels), or other conditions.

Diagnosis of stroke involves several steps:

Physical Exam: A doctor will assess your overall health and neurological function.

Neurological Exam: This exam checks your reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, sensation, and other nerve functions.

Brain Imaging: CT scans or MRI scans of the brain help determine the type of stroke, the extent of damage, and rule out other conditions.

Other Tests: Depending on the suspected cause of the stroke, other tests may be performed, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart, or an angiogram to visualize the blood vessels in the brain.

Blood tests

MSC (Mesenchymal Stem Cells) Therapy:

MSC therapy involves using stem cells derived from various sources, one of them is umbilical cord. These stem cells have the ability to repair damaged cartilage, reduce inflammation, and promote joint regeneration.

Physiotherapy:

Physiotherapy helps to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the affected joint. Specific exercises are designed to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and prevent further joint damage. Lifestyle Modification: Exercise: Engaging in low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling can help strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints, especially weight-bearing ones like the knees and hips. Diet Modification: Anti-inflammatory Diet: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish, flax seeds, and walnuts) can help reduce inflammation. Joint Health Nutrients: Including foods high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin D can support cartilage health and joint function. Supplements: Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric may support joint health and reduce pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients. These treatment options aim to improve joint function, alleviate pain, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis, helping you lead a more comfortable, active life.