Mr. Wang, a 34-year-old programmer, led an unhealthy lifestyle with long hours of work, lack of sleep, and a diet rich in fried and high-sugar foods, leading to obesity. One morning, his colleague noticed that he had a slight facial droop and recommended that he visit a hospital. After a brain MRI, it was revealed that he had suffered an acute ischemic stroke. Fortunately, it was a lacunar stroke, and he was discharged after a few days.
Facial Droop (Peripheral and Central): When a blood clot forms in the brain, it can cause facial droop. Peripheral facial droop is mainly related to viral infections or compression of the facial nerve. It is characterized by disappearing forehead lines, incomplete eye closure, crooked mouth angle, and speech difficulties.
Central facial droop, on the other hand, is related to the formation of a blood clot and is characterized by crooked mouth angle, shallow nasolabial groove, and deviation of the tongue.
Numbness of the Face: When brain cells experience ischemic necrosis, the transmission of sensory nerves to the face and limbs is hindered, leading to numbness in the lower half of the face.
If facial numbness persists for a long time, it is advisable to seek medical attention to prevent further blockage of brain blood vessels. Visual Impairment: Blood clots in the neck arteries can cause blurry vision, double vision, or even temporary blindness. It is essential to consult a neurologist when experiencing such visual problems to rule out acute ischemic stroke and consider thrombolytic therapy if necessary.
Speech Impairment: Many stroke patients suddenly experience difficulty in speaking or understanding speech, such as slurred speech or loss of speech. It is crucial to be vigilant about the formation of blood clots in such cases.
Prevention Tips for Stroke After 40:
1) Consume a diverse range of foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
2) Limit the intake of processed meats, saturated and trans fats.
3) Incorporate high-quality proteins like soy products, milk, and deep-sea fish.
4) Consume foods rich in dietary fiber, whole grains, and nuts, while reducing refined staple foods.
5) Limit the use of kitchen condiments such as cooking oil, sugar, salt, and vinegar to reduce the risk of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia.
6) Quit smoking and drinking, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and manage stress to prevent stroke. Regular Exercise: Engage in aerobic exercises for at least 30 minutes, 3-5 times a week.
Walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are recommended for middle-aged and elderly individuals. Walking 4000-5000 steps daily is beneficial in this regard.