The human brain is considered one of the paramount and sensitive organs, accountable for every thought, emotion, and action. Still, it is deliberately ignored when it comes to lifestyle modifications. One such inappropriate habit–alcohol consumption– can dramatically influence your brain health, specifically by heightening the likelihood of experiencing stroke. Although infrequent drinking might seem non-dangerous, extreme or persistent consumption may have severe consequences. 

At NeuroLife Brain & Spine Centre, we are highly dedicated to spreading awareness and encouraging people to make favourable choices for their brain and spine health. In this informative guide, we will examine the relationship between excessive alcohol and stroke, why this risk escalates, and what preemptive steps can be taken to prevent it. 

Alcohol and stroke– A life-threatening relationship

A stroke forms when the blood flow to your brain is obstructed, either because of a blockage (ischemic stroke) or an exploded blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Alcohol intake, specifically in unsafe quantities, is a key indicator that can result in both types of strokes. 

While occasional drinking may offer you some cardiovascular advantages, over or binge consumption can contribute to increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and strange clot formation–each of which elevates the chances of stroke. Even if you consume heavily but infrequently, you are not immune to these life-changing ailments. 

How alcohol elevates the possibility of experiencing stroke

• Heightened blood pressure

Excessive alcohol intake can slightly influence your blood pressure. With time, persistent alcohol can cause increased hypertension, a primary factor of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. 

• Leads to irregular heart rate

Drinking over a safe limit gradually escalates the possibility of experiencing severe atrial jerks, a situation where your heart begins to beat faster than usual. This discomfort can develop blood clots. This has the ability to move to your brain and provoke a stroke. 

• Interrupt blood clotting mechanisms

Heavy alcohol consumption can interrupt your body’s natural capacity to control blood clotting. These irregularities may result in deadly clot development or uncontrollable bleeding, both of which can equally invite brain or heart stroke. 

• Weakens blood vessel walls

Persistent alcohol intake can deteriorate the walls of blood vessels, making them even more susceptible to ruptures. This adversely increases the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke. 

• Influence overall cardiovascular health

Overconsumption of alcohol leads to various other associated stroke risk contributors, for instance, obesity, diabetes, and poor cholesterol levels. These medical circumstances further dramatically influence the health of your brain and heart. 

Proactive measures to prevent a stroke

Steering clear of strokes starts by following these preemptive lifestyle choices. Below mentioned are the valuable steps to alleviate the risk of stroke: 

• Restrict alcohol consumption

Moderation is mandatory. For innumerable young adults, this means no more than one glass per day for females and two for males. This is considered the ‘safe limit’ of alcohol consumption. If you have been allowed to cease it entirely depending on your health concerns, stick to your doctor’s guidance. 

• Track your blood pressure regularly

High blood pressure is considered the primary factor contributing to severe stroke. Frequently monitor your blood pressure levels and consult your healthcare specialist to handle them effortlessly, whether via prescribed drugs, a healthy diet, or regular exercise. 

• Follow a heart-friendly diet

Follow a nutritious diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins. Pair these with moderate physical exercise to enhance your cardiovascular well-being and circumvent stroke risk factors such as obesity and high cholesterol levels. 

• Strictly prevent binge drinking

Drinking over the safe limit within a short period can significantly provoke blood pressure and the likelihood of atrial fibrillation. Even after you consume alcohol occasionally, strictly prevent heavy amounts. 

• Give up on smoking 

Excessive smoking and alcohol are interlinked; however, this integration is life-threatening. Smoking multiplies the negative impacts of alcohol on your blood pressure and blood vessel wellness, ultimately accelerating the possibility of stroke.   

• Acknowledge your limits and seek assistance

If you find it challenging to reduce your alcohol consumption, don’t wait so long to seek help at your reliable healthcare centre, NeuroLife Brain & Spine Centre. Effective counselling sessions, support groups, or medical assistance can aid you in minimising or eradicating alcohol consumption for improved well-being. 

Takeaway

At NeuroLife Brain & Spine Centre, we have impressive expertise in detecting, addressing, and combatting neurological problems, including strokes. Our passionate team of experienced neurologists, neurosurgeons, and healthcare experts is dedicated to offering unparalleled care that is tailored to every patient’s medical situation. 

We don’t just address complicated symptoms–we emphasise informing our patients, valuable measures, and the prominent role in preserving brain health for the long term. Whether you require effective assistance, precise diagnostic tests, or upgraded treatment options, NeuroLife Brain & Spine Centre is always ready to empower you at every phase of the journey. Book your appointment with us today. 

NeuroLife Brain & Spine Centre, your health is our top responsibility. If you are worried about stroke or other neurological concerns, don’t hesitate–book a consultation with our qualified neuro-specialists today and observe the difference yourself.

Stroke is a chronic condition or medical emergency in which an adequate amount of blood cannot be supplied to the brain, which leads to stroke. Early treatment of stroke may help to prevent future complications like brain damage or death due to stroke. Stroke can happen to any age group. The risk of having a stroke is higher if you already suffer from hypertension, diabetes and abnormal heart rate.

What is a Stroke? 

Our brain requires a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients through blood. When there is cut off in the oxygen and supply of blood flow is reduced, your brain cells are exhausted; it leads to loss of brain function and you develop a stroke. You face a struggle to do activities that are controlled by the part of the brain that is experiencing Stroke.

A stroke can affect your ability:

• Control your emotion
• Control your bladder, bowel movements and other vital functions
• It also affects the body movements such as speaking, eating, speaking and ambulation.

Causes Of Stroke

There are two reasons for stroke: 

1. Due to blocked arteries or blood clots, there is no proper supply of blood to the brain. Ischemic Stroke
2. Due to the leakage of the blood vessel, Hemorrhagic Stroke

Ischemic Stroke: It is the common type of stroke. It occurs when the blood vessels are blocked due to clots or plaque, and the blood flow to the brain is stopped. Brain cells begin to die in minutes due to cutting off the oxygen and nutrients that the brain needs.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: When there is a sudden blockage of blood vessels in your brain leaks. Factors including brain haemorrhage include:

1. Trauma: An accident due to trauma can cause brain injury.
2. Uncontrollable high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels, which leads to stroke.
3. Aneurysm bulges in blood vessels.
4. Sometimes, Ischemic Stroke can lead to haemorrhage.

Symptoms of Stroke

The symptoms of stroke can differ in each individual as stroke happens suddenly. Individuals suffering from stroke can face any of the different symptoms mentioned below:

• Difficult to understand and speak 
• People face problems in coordination and balance.
• You may feel a seizure or loss of consciousness
• Facing the numbness on the one side of the body, it may be legs, arms, etc.
• Difficulty with ambulation
• Mouth dropping
• Difficulty in seeing with one or both eyes
• Sudden confusion and severe headache

If you see any of the above symptoms, consult the medical healthcare immediately.

What are the Risk Factors Of Stroke?

Stroke can happen to anyone of any age. There are high chances of stroke if you  have the risk factors of stroke. Some risk factors can be managed, while some cannot. Some such stroke risk factors that can and should be managed include:

1. High Blood Pressure: The higher blood pressure range 140/90 can damage the  artery that supplies blood to the brain.
2. Cardiac Ailments: These are the second most common risk factors that individuals usually suffer from. Among stroke survivors, heart disease is the common cause of death. There are many common risk factors for heart disease and  stroke.
3. Sickle Cell disease: This disorder is mainly caused due to genetic issues. It mainly affects American and African children causing sickle red blood cells which are less able to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues to the organs. The risk of stroke is higher because these cells are stuck to the blood vessels walls, which can block arteries to the brain.
4. Increase In Blood Cholesterol: High cholesterol can contribute to the atherosclerosis, the plaque is buildup due to the thickening and hardening of arteries. Due to calcium deposits, fatty substances and high cholesterol plaque is developed.
5. Illegal Drug use: Drug abuse can lead to stroke, as cocaine is linked to many medical complications such as Stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular problems.

Risk Factors of Stroke That Cannot be Controlled

• Gender: Both men and women can have chances of stroke. But men are at higher risk of developing stroke while women are at a higher risk of death.
• Age: There are higher chances of developing stroke in older people, mainly the age above 55 years or above.
• Genetics: People have a higher risk of stroke if they have any family history or in their hereditary.
• Other factors include season, temperature, and climate. The more common  Death rate is higher from stroke in extreme temperatures and climates. 

Lifestyle risk factors of Stroke

These lifestyle risk factors of stroke you can manage and control:

•  Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking 
• Heavy Drinking

How can strokes be diagnosed?

• CT Scan
• MRI Scan
• MRA (Magnetic resonance angiography)
• CTA (Computed tomographic angiography)

These are the tests that can detect the stroke and help proceed with further treatment.

Treatment options for the Stroke

• Clot Busting medication: The stroke can happen due to blood clot and due to this oxygen cannot flow in the brain, so the clot bust medication can solve this problem.
• Neuroprotective Medication: These are the medicines to help prevent any damage to the brain.
• Other Medication: Special intravenous fluids are used to reduce swelling in the brain. These medications can be suggested usually after a hemorrhagic stroke.

If you are also suffering from any brain injury and seeking professional guidance then Neuro Life Brain and Spine Centre is the best option to choose for brain related and spine related surgeries. We have experienced surgeons that will guide you and suggest the best solutions as our aim is to give our patients healthier lives. Contact us now to get one step closer to enhancing and improving your health!