Stroke rise in winters

I have been prompted to write this blog due to sudden increase in the number of stroke patients in my practice over last few weeks.
Stroke or ‘brain attack’ is a deadly disease with a very high mortality (risk of life) and even more high risk of morbidity (permanent damage or paralysis).

Looking at stroke rise in winters, If we compare the number of cases of stroke over last few decades, it has been observed that the incidence of stroke has almost doubled as compared to 1970-80.

The recent increase in the numbers is directly related to the falling winter temperatures.
Hence, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to spread some awareness regarding stroke rise in winters.

Stroke, as the name suggests, effects the brain suddenly without any previous warning. It occurs due to any of the following two reasons.
1. Blockage of any vessel supplying blood to the brain leading to brain damage of the affected area: called ‘Ischemic stroke’
2. Rupture of any boiled vessel leading to brain hemorrhage: called ‘Hemorrhagic stroke’
The common signs and symptoms of stroke should be known to one and all so as early management can be started without losing precious time.
For general population one should look for a mnemonic FAST

F- face drooping of deviation of face to one side
A- arm weakness. Arm will drift down when trying to lift both arms
S- difficulty in speaking or loss of speech
T – time to call urgent medical help

Other symptoms which should arouse suspicion are:
Sudden numbness
Sudden confusion
Sudden loss of vision
Sudden onset vertigo or imbalance
Sudden severe headache and loss of consciousness (hemorrhagic stroke)

Risk Factors or susceptible persons at risk of stroke are:

1. Elderly
2. Diabetes
3. Hypertension
4. Previous cardiac disease
5. Obesity
6. Smokers
7. Chronic lung diseases like asthma
In case any person has any of these symptoms, he or she should be taken to nearest medical facility without losing time. When patients reach within 1st one hour (GOLDEN HOUR), immediate management and treatment can sometimes reverse the blockage and can lead to complete recovery. Late presentation after few hours may lead to permanent brain damage.

Why do stroke increases in winters:

In winters the blood vessels become narrow in order to conserve heat and thus increases the chances of blockage.
Narrowing of these vessels also increases the blood pressure and hence increasing the chances of rupture
Blood also becomes thick when the temperature falls
It has been observed that about 10 degree fall in temperature leads to about 12% increase in chances of stroke

Preventive measures:

Control and regular check of blood pressure
Control of blood sugar and cholesterol
Do not go out without proper warm clothes
Quit smoking
Keep body weight in control
Regular walk (avoid in too low temperatures)
Consume healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables
Consult your doctor for general examination without complaints at least once in few months to take care of risk factors
I wish you all a very good health and a happy and prosperous new year 2021

“Author Dr. Kamal Verma is a Neurosurgeon in Delhi NCR. He is the director of neurosurgery and spine surgery department at Sarvodaya Hospital Faridabad”.