Summer Stroke Alert: Beware of Dizziness!

After the rainy season, the suffocating heat is back! You need to be extra careful in this sweltering weather. Many people say they've "caught a heatstroke" when their body's thermoregulation doesn't work properly during the summer. Common symptoms include headaches and dizziness. Others also report feeling chest tightness, indigestion, and extreme fatigue.

The Link Between Heat and Stroke

Summer dizziness might just be a temporary symptom of the heat, but it could also be a warning sign of a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain gets blocked, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain tissue. If this continues, brain tissue can become damaged, potentially leading to paralysis of the face or one side of the body.

Many people believe strokes mainly happen in winter, but in reality, more cases occur during the summer. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of stroke patients treated during the summer of 2023 (June-August) was 500,764, which is over 20,000 more than in winter (December-February). This is because the hot summer weather causes us to sweat a lot, leading to dehydration. In such conditions, blood becomes more concentrated, creating an environment where blood clots are more likely to form and block blood vessels.

Dizziness vs. Stroke: How to Tell the Difference?

If you experience dizziness during the summer, you should seek immediate treatment at the emergency room. The well-known "golden hour" is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Missing this window increases the risk of permanent brain damage and severe physical paralysis. Since damaged brain cells do not regenerate, prompt action is crucial.

So, what are the key warning signs of a stroke? Remember them with the FAST acronym:

• F (Face Drooping): When smiling, one side of the mouth may droop, or the face may appear asymmetrical.
• A (Arm Weakness): One arm may feel weak or numb, or you might have trouble lifting both arms equally.
• S (Speech Difficulty): Speech may become slurred, or you might struggle to form sentences clearly.
• T (Time to Call 119): If any of these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately and get to the nearest hospital.

Even if these symptoms appear briefly and then disappear, do not dismiss them. There's a high risk that temporary symptoms can progress to a full stroke within 48 hours of their initial appearance.

Tips for Staying Healthy in the Summer

When engaging in outdoor activities during the summer, drink plenty of lukewarm water to prevent blood from becoming too concentrated. It's important to stay hydrated before you even feel thirsty. However, individuals with pre-existing conditions such as heart failure or kidney failure, who may have fluid intake restrictions, should consult their doctor.

Summer weather can significantly impact your health, so it's vital to pay close attention to your body's signals and seek professional help immediately if needed. Have a healthy summer!