Stroke
The loss of a figure as representative as Pope Francis Pope Francis reminds us that no one is exempt from suffering a cerebrovascular event. Learn to recognize the signs, act in time and prevent it.
In recent days, the news of the passing of Pope Francis Pope Francis -a beloved figure and symbol of spiritual strength - has shocked the world. In the words of the Vatican, a stroke caused the pontiff's death. This event provides us with an opportunity to talk about a medical condition that affects millions of people around the world and which, if detected in time, can save lives.
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or cerebral vascular event (CVE), occurs when blood flow to the brain is completely or partially interrupted, preventing brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells can begin to die within minutes.
There are two main types:
Ischemic (the most common): a clot blocks a cerebral blood vessel.
Hemorrhagic: an artery ruptures and bleeds into the brain.
Both can be devastating if not acted upon quickly and correctly.
The easiest way to recognize it is to remember the mnemonic rule in English: FAST, adapted to Spanish as:
C.A.R.A.
Droopy face: Does the face look asymmetrical, is one corner of the mouth drooping?
Arm (arm): Can you lift both arms, does one arm fall or can you not move it?
Weird answer: Do you speak in a strange, slurred or slurred manner?
Act now: Call 911 immediately!
Other symptoms that may occur: sudden, severe headache, loss of vision in one or both eyes, loss of balance or coordination, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side only).
What to do if someone has a stroke?
Stay calm, but act quickly. Call 911 immediately. Every second counts. Do not give medications such as aspirin if you do not know the type of stroke (it can make bleeding worse). Place the person in a safe place, preferably lying on his or her side if he or she is unconscious. Note the time the symptoms began. This information is vital for doctors.
For every minute that passes, millions of neurons can die. If it is an ischemic stroke, there is a treatment with thrombolytic drugs that can reverse the damage, but it must be administered within the first 3 to 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms.
How to prevent a stroke?
Although not all factors are controllable, many are: Control your blood pressure. Keep your blood glucose and cholesterol at adequate levels. Do not smoke. Exercise regularly. Eat a balanced diet. Control stress and have frequent medical check-ups, especially if you have a family history.
The loss of such a representative figure as Pope Francis Pope Francis reminds us that no one is exempt from suffering a cerebrovascular event. Learning to recognize the signs, act in time and prevent it, can make the difference between life and death, or between an independent life and one with serious consequences.
Today more than ever, let's take care of our brain health and that of our loved ones.
