If you are affected by stroke, every minute is considered precious and can mean the difference between life and death. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with 80 million cases and roughly 5.5 million deaths, as well as 14.5 million cases per year. 1 in 4 people afflicted are aged 25 and over and more than 60 percent die prematurely. In Thailand, there are approximately 300,000 cases and 30,000 deaths per year. It is a serious disease that 1 in 4 individuals across the world is at risk of becoming diagnosed with, which can lead to cases of permanent disability or death in severe circumstances. At Amataya Wellness, we understand and acknowledge the importance of taking care of patients with the disease, both in terms of routine rehabilitation care, nutrition, surrounding environment, and facilities, all of which have been adequately designed for stroke patients.

Getting to know about stroke and the risk of being paralyzed

Stroke is the third most common disease after heart disease and cancer. It is found most prevalently in the elderly, along with those having certain risk factors, and can cause various neurological symptoms. This can be caused by the insufficient blood supply to the brain due to atherosclerosis or fatty deposits on artery walls, which can rupture the cerebral arteries or lead to their obstruction from blood clots that can clog the vessel, making them more fragile than usual. Subsequently, some brain tissue can be damaged. Stroke can be categorized into two major types:

1. Ischemic Stroke is mainly caused by the deterioration of the arteries due to the accumulation of fatty deposits or plaques in the inner vascular walls, which occurs over a long period leading to thickened, stiff, and a decrease in flexibility in the blood vessels that then gradually narrow. These findings are present in up to 80% of patients. Transient ischemic attacks on the other hand are similar to an ischemic stroke but are only temporary in the sense that they last up to 24 hours. The main concern however is that should you have symptoms, you must make your way to a doctor immediately, as there is a risk of paralysis.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke or brain bleeding can occur due to several reasons, such as high blood pressure, which causes blood vessels to become frailer, aneurysms, abnormal blood clotting mechanism, taking anticoagulant medications, etc. The occurrence of cerebral hemorrhages can result in injury to brain cells due to blood clotting in the surrounding brain tissue.

Reduce the risk of stroke, avoid unhealthy lifestyles

Stroke can lead to paralysis, with temporary symptoms during an episode being that the arm or one side of the face, can suddenly become numb, weak, or unable to move, but can also lead to permanent paralysis if left untreated. For this reason, we should avoid behaviors or risk factors that can cause the onset of stroke, which are as follows:

• High blood pressure: A condition in which there is an increase in the pressure within blood vessels. This causes blood vessels to deteriorate due to the higher pressure placed upon them and the pressure coming from the heart. The deterioration can come in the form of an increase in inflexibility and frailty in such vessels. It was found that more than 35-75% of stroke patients had high pressure as well.

• Diabetes is considered the second most important risk factor after high blood pressure, as individuals with diabetes are more prone to atherosclerosis in the brain. Diabetics are 3-4 times more likely to experience a stroke episode compared to those without diabetes. When the arteries supplying the brain become clogged, the brain becomes deprived of oxygen and people with diabetes may experience numbness or weakness in either hemisphere of their body. If cerebral ischemia is extensive enough or affects the brain’s respiratory control centers, it can lead to heart failure or paralysis. This can lead to the individual becoming bedridden, which can itself cause other complications, such as being more prone to infectious diseases or death.

• Hyperlipidemia: A condition whereby higher amounts of cholesterol can be found in the blood, causing artery walls to become inelastic, which can lead to narrowing of the arteries and hence obstruct or reduce blood flow to the organs. If this happens to a vessel supplying the brain, this can cause brain ischemia and eventually paralysis.

• Obesity: Being overweight is a risk factor for stroke and increases the risk of various other diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, etc. These diseases in turn are also a risk factor for stroke.

• Smoking and alcohol consumption: The consumption of alcohol can also cause blood vessels to become frailer or increase their tendency to bleed. Smokers, meanwhile, have a higher incidence rate of stroke than non-smokers.

• Hyperviscosity syndrome: This refers to abnormally thick blood due to a higher-than-normal concentration of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, or serum proteins. In some cases, it may be due to abnormalities in the blood clotting proteins or blood cells changing shape.

• Heart disease and aging: Heart attack, heart valve diseases, or arrhythmia can all cause blood clots, and should a clot occur in an artery supplying the brain, this can lead to ischemic strokes in the brain. The elderly is associated with the degeneration of blood vessels as well.

Amataya Wellness, a comprehensive health treatment and rehabilitation center for stroke patients using the wonder of the first-ever salt hot spring in Thailand

Enhancing the care of stroke patients with the wonders of natural salt hot springs will help restore stroke patients to their original health as much as possible, by combining modern medical treatments and equipment under 24 hours the daycare of specialists to experience nature and a relaxing environment.

• The first-ever specialized salt hot spring treatment and rehabilitation center in Thailand, a health center of healing and rehabilitation, and the provision of comprehensive care in rehabilitation medicine, both in terms of physical and occupational therapy.

• Amataya Wellness allows you to save the costs of special care services and enhance your time with your family, while having various expenses included, along with maintaining your daily care routine and securing your nutritional requirements.

• Specialized experts and care staff are available 24 hours a day. Care provided by specialists and professional staff provided with proper training in line with the same standards as leading hospitals ready to care for you.

• Fully equipped facilities, pleasant and spacious environment with a natural atmosphere, all included with a serene garden, all of which provide the utmost possible form of relaxation.

• Perfect location and in the case of a medical emergency, 9 hospitals are located nearby and transport to the hospitals is always on standby.

Amataya Wellness, a comprehensive health treatment and rehabilitation center, in the company of the wonders of natural salt hot springs, offers a superior care experience as well as rejuvenating the body from numerous diseases and overall restoring balance to the body. This will help to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of long-term diseases, while allowing stroke patients to be rehabilitated and return to their normal life as much as possible.