Someone suddenly begins to slur their speech, cannot raise one arm, or smiles with one corner of their mouth remaining motionless. These may be the first signs of a stroke. In such a situation, it is important not to delay and to CALL 103 OR 112 IMMEDIATELY.

World Stroke Day is observed on October 29. It is an opportunity to remind everyone how to recognize this dangerous condition, what to do if a stroke is suspected, and how to help someone before emergency medical professionals arrive. We will also explore the different types of stroke, the recovery process, and ways to prevent another stroke.

Stroke: What Happens to the Brain?

The brain constantly needs oxygen and nutrients supplied by the blood. If a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, brain cells begin to suffer irreversible damage. This is what happens during a stroke.

Damage to a particular area of the brain can suddenly affect a person's ability to move, speak, see, or coordinate movements. The specific functions affected depend on where blood circulation is disrupted and the extent of the brain damage.

The longer the brain goes without an adequate blood supply, the more brain cells may die. That is why every minute matters when a stroke is suspected — emergency medical assistance must be called immediately.

Types of Stroke: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. The difference lies in what happens to the blood vessel in the brain.

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked, most often by a blood clot. Blood can no longer flow properly to a particular area of the brain, causing brain cells to suffer from a lack of oxygen.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. Blood leaks out of the vessel into the brain tissue or the surrounding space, causing damage.

Each type requires a different treatment approach. Learn more about modern technologies for treating cerebrovascular conditions.

Stroke Symptoms: Early Warning Signs

A stroke usually begins suddenly. A person may feel completely fine one minute and, the next, be unable to keep an arm raised, speak clearly, or maintain their balance.

To recognize a stroke in an emergency, remember these key warning signs:

• Speech: The person has difficulty speaking clearly or understanding what others say.

• Face: One corner of the mouth droops, making the smile uneven.

• Balance: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or impaired coordination.

• Eyes: Sudden deterioration or loss of vision.

• Arms and legs: Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Sometimes, a stroke is accompanied by a sudden, extremely severe headache. To check for the most common signs, ask the person to smile, raise both arms, and repeat a simple sentence. However, do not waste time checking every symptom if you have already noticed one warning sign.

Have you noticed even one of these symptoms? Call 103 or 112 immediately. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms disappear on their own. Remember the time when the symptoms first appeared — this information is important for doctors.

To learn more about recognizing a stroke, available treatments, and ways to reduce the risk, watch neurosurgeon Yurii Luhovyi explain these topics in a video on the COR-Medical Life YouTube channel.

"Pre-Stroke Condition" and "Mini-Stroke": What Do These Terms Mean?

"Pre-stroke condition" and "mini-stroke" are commonly used informal terms rather than precise medical diagnoses. Sometimes, they refer to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary disruption of blood supply to the brain.

The symptoms are the same as those of a stroke: sudden weakness in an arm or leg, speech difficulties, facial asymmetry, or vision problems. However, TIA symptoms resolve, typically within minutes and always within 24 hours.

The disappearance of symptoms does not mean the danger has passed. A TIA can be a warning sign of an increased risk of stroke. If these symptoms occur, call 103 or 112 immediately, even if the person feels completely normal again. It is impossible to distinguish a TIA from a stroke without a medical examination.

How Stroke Is Diagnosed and Treated in Hospital

After admission to the hospital, doctors assess the patient's condition and perform diagnostic examinations. These may include brain imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and vascular imaging using CT angiography or MR angiography. These examinations help determine the type of stroke and select the appropriate treatment.

"If a patient is diagnosed with an ischemic stroke and arrives at the hospital within the first few hours after symptoms appear, doctors may administer thrombolysis — medication that dissolves the blood clot. If a clot blocks a large blood vessel in the brain, it may be removed using a surgical procedure," explains Yurii Cherednychenko in a video on the COR-Medical Life YouTube channel. He is a senior-category neurosurgeon and holds a PhD in Medical Sciences.

In cases of hemorrhagic stroke, doctors monitor and manage blood pressure, administer medications, and, when necessary, perform surgery to address the cause of the bleeding or remove accumulated blood that may compress brain structures.

COR-Medical's Expertise in Stroke Treatment Technologies

The possibilities for stroke treatment depend not only on the experience of medical professionals but also on the equipment and medical instruments available at the hospital.

COR-Medical supplies healthcare facilities in Ukraine with solutions for treating cerebrovascular conditions, including those associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. These instruments enable doctors to perform complex procedures through blood vessels, without large incisions, when clinically indicated.

Professional training is equally important. That is why COR-Medical supports continuing medical education for healthcare professionals. In particular, together with Medtronic, the company contributed to a training program on modern stroke treatment methods at Mykolaiv Regional Hospital.

Consequences of Stroke: What Determines Their Severity?

After a stroke, a person may experience difficulties moving an arm or leg, speaking, swallowing, remembering information, or concentrating. As a result, even everyday activities — walking, getting dressed, or eating — may require assistance.

The consequences depend on which area of the brain has been affected and the extent of the damage.

Ischemic Stroke: Possible Consequences

After an ischemic stroke, a person may have difficulty moving an arm or leg, speaking, remembering information, or concentrating. The consequences depend on the location and severity of the brain damage.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Possible Consequences

In a hemorrhagic stroke, bleeding can not only damage the brain but also put pressure on surrounding brain tissue. This may cause severe complications, including loss of consciousness.

Both types of stroke can have similar consequences. The extent of recovery depends on the severity of the brain injury, how quickly treatment is provided, and the person's overall health.

Stroke Rehabilitation: How Does Recovery Work?

Rehabilitation helps people gradually regain lost abilities and adapt to changes if some impairments persist.

Depending on individual needs, different specialists may be involved in the rehabilitation process:

• Physical therapists help restore movement, balance, and walking ability.

• Occupational therapists help patients relearn everyday activities, such as dressing, using utensils, and taking care of themselves.

• Speech and language therapists work on restoring communication skills and safe swallowing.

Psychologists and other specialists may also join the rehabilitation team when needed.

Family members can help make the home safer by removing tripping hazards and ensuring easy access to essential items. It is equally important to communicate calmly, provide emotional support, and encourage the person to perform manageable tasks independently.

The rehabilitation program is tailored to the person's condition and adjusted as recovery progresses.

How to Reduce the Risk of a First or Recurrent Stroke

To lower the risk of stroke, it is important to:

• Monitor blood pressure regularly.

• Keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control.

• Have your heart health checked, especially if you have an irregular heartbeat.

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

• Stay physically active, maintain a balanced diet, and reduce salt intake.

• Take medications prescribed by your doctor.

If you have already experienced a stroke or a transient ischemic attack, be sure to discuss strategies for preventing another stroke with your doctor.

Remember: If sudden stroke symptoms occur, call 103 or 112 immediately, even if the symptoms disappear.