'Time Bomb in the Brain' Stroke... "More Dangerous in Summer than Winter"

Now that summer has come...

Both my fiancé and I are hearing news of the passing of parents or grandparents of people around us.

I thought winter would be more dangerous.

Summer is more dangerous for strokes...

It's best to avoid the really hot midday.

I hope the hot weather passes quickly.

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Images related to headaches. iClickArt

The general hospital reported that the risk of stroke, including cerebral infarction, is higher in the hot summer months than in the winter.

According to Onjong Hospital on the 31st, the number of patients hospitalized for stroke from May to July this year is 150. This is approximately twice the number of 79 patients hospitalized for the same illness over the three months from December last year.

Stroke is broadly divided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when blood vessels are blocked by blood clots or other obstructions, leading to insufficient oxygen supply and damage to part of the brain.

A cerebral hemorrhage is a condition where a narrowed brain blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding inside the brain. Hypertension is the primary cause, but cerebral aneurysms, brain tumors, and vascular malformations can also lead to cerebral hemorrhage.

The most common symptoms among these individuals are paralysis or sensory loss in one limb, and they may also experience language impairment, dizziness, headaches, double vision, and visual field disturbances.

The number of patients suffering from strokes in the country continues to increase. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients treated for strokes was over 610,000 in 2020, and this trend is rising every year.

The highest number of cases occurs in people in their 70s, followed by those in their 60s, over 80s, and in their 50s. As age increases, the risk of occurrence also rises, making stroke prevention measures urgently needed for our country, which is heading towards a super-aged society.

Hasangwook, head of the Brain and Nervous System Center at Onjong Hospital (neurologist), emphasized, "We need to pay even more careful attention to prevent strokes during the summer when blood vessels expand and blood flow slows down, compared to winter."

"Temperature regulation is the most important... Be careful with fluid intake."

As a summer stroke prevention measure, temperature regulation is most important. During the hot daytime hours, it is advisable to refrain from outdoor activities and stay indoors. Keep indoor temperatures at appropriate levels, and when using air conditioning or fans, be careful not to let body temperature drop excessively.

Additionally, since sweating heavily can lead to dehydration, it is important to pay attention to fluid intake, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, and consume enough vegetables and fruits. Proper dietary management is also crucial. Regular exercise helps promote blood circulation and control blood pressure, so it should not be neglected.

Kim Su-hee, head of the Brain and Vascular Center at Onjong Hospital, emphasized, "Since the prognosis of stroke worsens with delayed treatment, it must be managed through regular health check-ups, and if stroke symptoms occur, immediate hospital visit and treatment are necessary."