What are the risk factors for brain stroke?

RISK FACTORS FOR BRAIN STROKE

Brain stroke is a medical emergency, which is characterized by sudden onset weakness or paralysis of one half of the body. Other disabilities may include inability to speak, impaired vision, severe headache or imbalance while walking.

Risk factors for brain stroke include modifiable and non-modifiable factors:

Modifiable factors:

• Obesity,
• Smoking,
• High blood pressure,
• Diabetes mellitus,
• Elevated cholesterol
• Elevated homocysteine levels
• Cardiac diseases
• Stress

Non-modifiable risk factors for stroke include:

• Older age
• Family history of brain stroke
• Male sex

It is important to get regular check-ups done to identify any risk factors for stroke. If any of the above conditions are identified, proper treatment would ensure a stroke-free life. In case of any stroke-like symptoms, you should immediately contact your neurologist/family doctor.

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine) DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Phone- 0091-4023607777/60601066
Email: drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com