Proactive stance against strokes

WITH an ageing population, strokes assume greater importance, as they not only cause major permanent disabilities but can also potentially create social burdens within a family framework as they will tie down the caregivers. Understanding the mechanisms of strokes and the causative factors can help us take proactive measures to prevent them.

Mechanisms and causes of stroke

Identifying the main mechanisms of stroke can help one to take preventive measures. Mechanisms of strokes can be divided into three broad categories.

Firstly, narrowing of brain arteries (ischaemic strokes) is an important cause of stroke and dementia. Ischaemic strokes can be due to blockage of large or small arteries or "debris" from elsewhere in the arterial circulation that have travell…