{"id":662643,"date":"2026-10-31T11:38:19","date_gmt":"2026-10-31T11:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/662643\/"},"modified":"2026-10-31T11:38:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-31T11:38:19","slug":"nepal-news-nepals-first-online-news-portal-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/662643\/","title":{"rendered":"Nepal News | Nepal’s First Online News Portal"},"content":{"rendered":"

KATHMANDU: While speaking, speech suddenly begins to slur. While walking, one part of the body becomes weak. The face twists to one side, or vision in the eyes becomes blurred. In such a situation, ignoring it by assuming it is normal weakness can put a person\u2019s life at risk. Because these may be signs of a stroke, known as a brain attack.<\/p>\n

A stroke can suddenly change the life of a person who was in a normal condition just minutes before. Delay in treatment can cause permanent damage to the brain. Even if some patients survive, they may not be in a condition to live life as before.<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Raju Paudel, the immediate past president of the Nepal Stroke Association, the situation of strokes in Nepal is alarming. He says, \u201cIn Nepal, a stroke occurs to someone every 10 minutes. More than 50,000 people are affected every year. Among those who suffer a stroke, 15 to 20 percent lose their lives prematurely.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Dr. Raju Paudel<\/p>\n

Some patients who survive also have to rely on long-term treatment and the help of others. Along with the patient\u2019s health, this also affects the family\u2019s daily life, income, and caregiving responsibilities.<\/p>\n

What happens inside the brain?<\/p>\n

Most activities of the human body are controlled by the brain. The responsibility of operating the functions of various parts of the body, ranging from speaking, thinking, remembering, walking, and moving hands and legs, belongs to the brain itself. For these activities to operate regularly, sufficient blood and oxygen must continuously reach the brain.<\/p>\n

A stroke occurs if there is an obstruction in the blood vessels carrying blood to the brain or if a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding. When blood flow stops, brain cells stop receiving oxygen and nutrients. In the event of a ruptured blood vessel, blood accumulates inside the brain and puts pressure on surrounding tissues. Both conditions impair brain function.<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy: Harvard Medical School<\/p>\n

Medically, strokes are mainly of two types. The condition where blood flow stops due to a blood clot forming in a blood vessel is called an \u201cischemic stroke.\u201d The condition where a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding inside the brain is a \u201chemorrhagic stroke.\u201d Since the treatment for these two types of strokes differs, it must be identified through testing which problem the patient has.<\/p>\n

Warnings given by the body<\/p>\n

Symptoms of a stroke often appear suddenly. Drooping of one part of the face, weakness or inability to move an arm or leg on one side of the body are its primary signs. Slurring of speech while talking, inability to speak, or difficulty understanding what others are saying can also be symptoms of a stroke.<\/p>\n

Neurologist Dr. Ghanshyam Kharel states that the patient\u2019s condition must be examined as soon as such signs appear. He says, \u201cSymptoms of a stroke must be identified in a timely manner. It is necessary to immediately evaluate the patient\u2019s condition and start treatment. Delaying treatment increases the risk of causing permanent damage to the brain.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Dr. Ghanshyam Kharel<\/p>\n

Not all patients show the same symptoms. For some, vision suddenly blurs or vision may be lost. For some, it is difficult to maintain balance while walking, they feel dizzy, or coordination between body parts deteriorates. Especially in cases of bleeding in the brain, a sudden, extremely severe headache can occur. Even if only one of these symptoms appears, a health examination must be conducted immediately suspecting a stroke.<\/p>\n

Sometimes such symptoms can disappear within a few minutes. Speech becomes normal, the weakened hand begins to move, or the facial droop disappears. In medical terminology, this condition is called a \u201cTransient Ischemic Attack\u201d (TIA). This is a problem that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked for a short time. Since it is a warning that a severe stroke could happen in the future, one must go to the hospital even if the symptoms disappear.<\/p>\n

The risk of high blood pressure<\/p>\n

High blood pressure is among the primary risk factors causing a stroke. When blood pressure remains uncontrolled for a long time, pressure is exerted on the blood vessels of the brain. This increases the risk of weakening blood vessels, bursting them, or creating obstructions in blood flow.<\/p>\n

Diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and an unbalanced diet also increase the risk of a stroke. In some people with irregular heartbeat problems, blood clots can form inside the heart. Such clots can reach a blood vessel in the brain and block blood flow.<\/p>\n

Some people with high blood pressure stop taking medicine or fail to undergo regular check-ups once they feel fine. But regular medication consumption and health checks are necessary to keep blood pressure problems under control. Stopping treatment based on not feeling symptoms can cause blood pressure to become uncontrolled.<\/p>\n

Although strokes are commonly understood as a disease seen mainly in the elderly, the risk remains present even in youth. Along with unhealthy lifestyles, congenital blood vessel problems, heart disease, blood clotting disorders, and other special health conditions can cause strokes at a young age. If a stroke occurs during working age and physical capacity is lost, the family\u2019s economic condition and caregiving responsibilities can also be affected. Just because age is young, suddenly appearing symptoms should not be considered normal weakness.<\/p>\n

The impact of delay in treatment<\/p>\n

In stroke treatment, alongside time, which part of the brain is affected and how much damage has been sustained are important. According to senior neurosurgeon Dr. Rajiv Jha, when deciding on treatment, the nature of the damage, the condition of bleeding, and the patient\u2019s overall health must be evaluated. He says, \u201cSurgery is not necessary for all patients who have suffered a stroke. Surgery may need to be performed in cases where there is excessive bleeding in the brain, the brain has swollen and pressure has increased, or other complications are seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

After blood flow to the brain stops, additional cells can become damaged as time passes. Therefore, resting patients at home, massaging with oil, or waiting to see if symptoms disappear on their own can cause important treatment opportunities to be lost.<\/p>\n

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Dr. Rajiv Jha<\/p>\n

In patients suspected of having a stroke, a CT scan or an MRI as needed is performed to find out whether a blood vessel was blocked or whether a blood vessel burst and caused bleeding. Treatment is then advanced according to the patient\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

In an \u201cischemic stroke\u201d caused by a blocked blood vessel, eligible patients can be given clot-busting medication. This is called \u201cthrombolysis.\u201d Such treatment is generally performed within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. However, doctors decide which patient can be given the medication after necessary tests.<\/p>\n

In cases where a major blood vessel of the brain is obstructed, blood clots can be removed through the \u201cmechanical thrombectomy\u201d method. In this method, the clot stuck in the blood vessel is removed through special equipment. Based on special tests, this treatment can be possible even up to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms in selected patients.<\/p>\n

In patients with bleeding caused by a ruptured blood vessel, blood pressure control, bleeding management, treatments to reduce increased pressure in the brain, and surgery as needed may be required. Clot-busting medications used when blood vessels are blocked cannot be given in such conditions.<\/p>\n

At least 4.5 hours and 24 hours are possible treatment time limits in certain conditions of patients. Therefore, one should not wait at home thinking that much time remains. As soon as a stroke is suspected, one must reach the hospital and undergo necessary tests.<\/p>\n

Life after surviving<\/p>\n

What problems remain in a patient after a stroke depends on which part of the brain has sustained damage. For some, one part of the body may become immobile while for others speech is affected. Some may experience problems such as being unable to understand what others say, losing memory capacity, having difficulty swallowing food, or losing balance while walking.<\/p>\n

Damage to the right side of the brain can affect the left side of the body, and damage to the left side can affect the right side of the body. Likewise, if the part controlling language is damaged, it becomes difficult to speak or understand what others are saying.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: StoryMD<\/p>\n

Alongside physical problems, anxiety, hopelessness, and depression can also appear in patients. A situation can arise where a person who previously worked independently must depend on family support for daily activities. However, the condition of all patients is not the same. Remarkable improvement can occur in some after treatment, while physical and mental problems may persist for a long time in others.<\/p>\n

In such a situation, rehabilitation alongside medication is important. Physical therapy helps improve limb movement and walking. Speech therapy helps with speech and language-related problems, while occupational therapy attempts to make patients capable of performing daily tasks on their own. Even after discharge from the hospital, regular follow-up and long-term rehabilitation may be necessary depending on the patient\u2019s condition. Continuous treatment and exercise play a role in recovering lost capacity as much as possible.<\/p>\n

A stroke can happen again<\/p>\n

A person who has already suffered a stroke can experience the same problem again. If the causes that led to the initial stroke cannot be brought under control, the risk remains. Therefore, even after returning from the hospital, the patient\u2019s regular health monitoring, consumption of medications prescribed by the doctor, and necessary tests must be continued.<\/p>\n

It is not necessary for all patients who have already suffered a stroke to take the same medication. Especially without a doctor\u2019s advice, aspirin or blood-thinning medications should not be consumed. In a hemorrhagic stroke, such medications can make the condition more serious.<\/p>\n

Doctors decide which medication is necessary based on the type of stroke the patient suffered and their health condition. The habit of stopping medication or stopping regular tests just because one feels improvement in health can increase the risk of the problem recurring.<\/p>\n

The challenge of treatment access<\/p>\n

Necessary facilities for stroke treatment are not available in all health institutions in Nepal. In the absence of round-the-clock CT scans, specialist doctors, stroke units, and modern treatment facilities, it is difficult for patients to receive timely services. Especially from remote areas, reaching well-equipped hospitals can take a long time.<\/p>\n

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The illustration shows how an ischemic stroke can occur in the brain. If a blood clot breaks away from plaque buildup in a carotid artery in the neck, it can travel to an artery in the brain. The clot can block blood flow to part of the brain, causing brain tissue death<\/p>\n

Coordination among neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, nursing personnel, and rehabilitation services is necessary for stroke treatment. Services ranging from tests to identify the type of stroke to medication, surgery, or rehabilitation according to the patient\u2019s condition must be available. But when all services are not available in a single health institution, difficulties can arise in the treatment process.<\/p>\n

Alongside difficulties in reaching hospitals, insufficient information about stroke symptoms is also a problem. Some people consider sudden limpness in limbs or speech deterioration to be normal weakness. This can cause delays in necessary decisions for treatment.<\/p>\n

The Nepal Stroke Association has been working on subjects of stroke condition identification, treatment, and prevention. The association is also trying to improve the standard of treatment in collaboration with international organizations. Looking at the prevalence of strokes in Nepal, the expansion of treatment facilities, skilled personnel, and awareness enhancement among citizens are seen as necessary.<\/p>\n

Measures to reduce risk<\/p>\n

Although the risk of a stroke cannot be completely eliminated, focusing on controllable causes can reduce its probability. The habit of regularly checking blood pressure and keeping it under control according to a doctor\u2019s advice is important. Individuals with diabetes and cholesterol problems must also undergo regular testing and treatment.<\/p>\n

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The illustration shows how a hemorrhagic stroke can occur in the brain. An aneurysm in a cerebral artery breaks open, which causes bleeding in the brain. The pressure of the blood causes brain tissue death<\/p>\n

The habits of quitting smoking and tobacco products, staying away from alcohol consumption, reducing salt and fatty substances, and eating fruits and vegetables sufficiently help reduce risk. Exercising regularly according to one\u2019s health condition, keeping body weight under control, and getting sufficient sleep are also important subjects.<\/p>\n

Despite this, having knowledge in every family about what to do if stroke symptoms appear is necessary. Note down the time when symptoms began and immediately take the patient to emergency health services. Delay in treatment can occur if one massages at home, administers home remedies, or waits thinking it will get better on its own.<\/p>\n

A stroke sometimes makes patients unable even to state their own problems. At that time, alongside the distance to the hospital, how quickly people nearby recognize the symptoms and make decisions also makes a difference.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"KATHMANDU: While speaking, speech suddenly begins to slur. While walking, one part of the body becomes weak. The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":662644,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[163,85,46],"class_list":["post-662643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-health","tag-health","tag-il","tag-israel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662643","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=662643"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/662643\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/662644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=662643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=662643"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=662643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}