Understanding Stroke: A Cerebrovascular Disease with Lifelong Aftereffects

Stroke is a serious emergency that affects the brain’s blood vessels, causing either a blockage (cerebral infarction) or a rupture (cerebral hemorrhage). Timely treatment is crucial in determining the patient’s prognosis.

According to recent data, cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, have increased by over 20% in the past five years. In 2022, there were 1,171,534 patients who received hospitalization or outpatient treatment for cerebrovascular diseases, a 21.1% increase compared to 2018.

Stroke accounted for the largest share, with 634,177 people receiving treatment in 2022. However, only about 16% of patients with cerebral infarction underwent recanalization treatment.

Cerebral Infarction and Stroke: Understanding the Risks

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Korea, with 80% of cases being cerebral infarctions (ischemic strokes) and 20% being cerebral hemorrhages (intracerebral hemorrhages, subarachnoid hemorrhages).

The brain relies on energy and oxygen provided by blood from the cerebral blood vessels. When these blood vessels are blocked, brain cells can be damaged, leading to severe consequences.

Quickly opening blocked brain blood vessels is crucial in reducing brain damage and the consequences of cerebral infarction. The essential hyperacute treatment for cerebral infarction is ‘thrombolysis,’ which involves administering drugs within 4.5 hours of cerebral infarction.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Stroke

There are four representative symptoms of stroke: facial paralysis, hemiparesis (loss of strength in a limb), speech disorder, and eye deviation. Additional symptoms include severe dizziness, postural imbalance, decreased sensation, double vision, and decreased consciousness.

If you experience these symptoms, it is essential to call 911 and find a stroke center that can provide treatment for ultra-acute stroke phase.

The Reality of Stroke Treatment in Korea

Despite the increasing number of stroke patients, adequate treatment is still not provided. Only 26.2% of stroke patients arrived at the hospital within 3 hours and 30 minutes after the onset of symptoms, and only 16% received recanalization treatment.

The Korea Stroke Association emphasizes the need for timely treatment and specialized care for critically ill patients. However, the current patient classification system may limit access to treatment in tertiary general hospitals.