Understanding the different types of brain strokes: Neurologist explains

The brain requires constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sanjay Pandey, HOD, Neurology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Depending on the site of the lesion in the brain, variable presentations can occur, including speech abnormalities, loss of sensations on the same side as the weakness, symptoms related to the loss of balance function maintained by the cerebellum, altered psychological behavior, or even loss of bladder or bowel control.” The common symptoms of stroke are trouble in walking, understanding and speaking. Dr Sanjay Pandey classified brain stroke in two forms - Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke Ischemic stroke: Why does it happen? Early symptoms: Patients with an ischemic type of brain stroke usually present with loss of consciousness, sudden fall, deviation of the angle of the mouth to one side, weakness in the arms and legs, or complete paralysis of one half of the body. “The key to treating a patient with brain stroke is to follow the ‘BE FAST’ motto, which means recognising symptoms early and reaching a health facility within 4-4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms.