Stroke Prevention: Protecting Your Brain

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to become damaged. Stroke is a medical emergency, but many strokes can be prevented by controlling risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Who is at risk?

You may have a higher risk of stroke if you have:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• Heart disease or irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation)

• Smoking or tobacco use

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• A family history of stroke

How can you reduce your risk?

Control your blood pressure

High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. Regular monitoring and taking prescribed medications can significantly reduce your risk.

Manage diabetes

Keeping your blood sugar under control helps protect your blood vessels and lowers the risk of stroke.

Lower your cholesterol

A healthy diet, regular exercise, and cholesterol-lowering medications (when prescribed) can help prevent blockages in the arteries.

Eat a healthy diet

Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce your intake of salt, sugar, and processed foods.

Stay physically active

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Stop smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels and greatly increases the risk of stroke. Quitting is one of the best decisions you can make for your health.

Limit alcohol

Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.

Recognize the warning signs

Remember the word FAST:

• Face drooping

• Arm weakness

• Speech difficulty

• Time to call emergency medical services immediately

Do not wait for symptoms to improve. Early treatment can save brain tissue and improve recovery.

Final thoughts

Most strokes are preventable. By managing your health, attending regular medical check-ups, and seeking prompt medical attention for warning signs, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your brain for the future.

What is a seizure?

A seizure can affect people in different ways. Some may experience:

• Shaking of the arms and legs

• Sudden loss of consciousness

• Staring spells

• Confusion

• Brief jerking movements

• Unusual sensations or emotions

Not every seizure looks the same.

What causes epilepsy?

Epilepsy may result from:

• Previous stroke

• Head injury

• Brain infections

• Genetic factors

• Brain tumors

• Developmental disorders

In many people, the exact cause is not identified.

How is epilepsy treated?

Most people with epilepsy can control their seizures with anti-seizure medications. Some patients may require additional investigations or specialized treatments if seizures continue despite medication.

Never stop taking your medication without consulting your neurologist.

Living safely with epilepsy

You can reduce the risk of seizures by:

• Taking medications exactly as prescribed

• Getting enough sleep

• Managing stress

• Avoiding excessive alcohol

• Keeping regular follow-up appointments

What should someone do during a seizure?

If a person has a seizure:

• Stay calm.

• Protect them from injury.

• Turn them gently onto their side after the seizure if possible.

• Do not place anything in their mouth.

• Do not try to hold them down.

Call emergency medical services if:

• The seizure lasts more than five minutes.

• Another seizure begins immediately afterward.

• The person has difficulty breathing after the seizure.

• The seizure occurs in water.

• It is the person's first seizure.

Final thoughts

With proper treatment and regular follow-up, most people with epilepsy can lead full and active lives. If you experience a seizure or think you may have epilepsy, seek medical evaluation promptly.

Migraine is a common neurological condition that causes recurrent headaches and other symptoms. It is more than just a severe headache and can affect work, school, and daily life.

Common symptoms

Migraine may cause:

• Moderate to severe headache

• Throbbing or pulsating pain

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Nausea or vomiting

• Blurred vision

• Temporary visual disturbances (known as aura) in some people

Attacks may last from a few hours to several days.

What triggers migraine?

Triggers vary from person to person and may include:

• Lack of sleep

• Stress

• Skipping meals

• Dehydration

• Hormonal changes

• Bright lights

• Strong smells

• Certain foods or beverages

Keeping a headache diary can help identify personal triggers.

How is migraine treated?

Treatment usually includes:

• Medicines to relieve pain during an attack

• Preventive medications for frequent migraines

• Lifestyle changes to reduce triggers

Your neurologist will recommend the treatment plan that best suits your symptoms.

Can migraine be prevented?

Yes. Many people experience fewer migraine attacks by:

• Sleeping regularly

• Eating balanced meals without skipping breakfast

• Drinking enough water

• Exercising regularly

• Managing stress

• Limiting excessive caffeine

• Taking preventive medication when prescribed

When should you seek medical attention?

Consult a neurologist if:

• Your headaches become more frequent or severe.

• Pain is sudden and extremely severe.

• Headaches are associated with weakness, confusion, vision loss, or difficulty speaking.

• Your usual headache pattern changes significantly.

Final thoughts

Migraine is a treatable neurological condition. With an accurate diagnosis, appropriate medication, and healthy lifestyle habits, most people can achieve excellent control of their symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.