The neurointerventional radiologist, from the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, talks regarding the implications for a patient suffering from this type of morbidity, what to do and how to prevent them.
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Juan Andrés Mejía studied Radiology and Neurointerventional Radiology in Spain and France. / private file
Why did you become passionate regarding medicine and radiology?
The very idea of being able to treat the depths of the brain and the human body in general without the need for surgery is, from every point of view, fascinating. Guided by radiological equipment, through catheterization through the blood vessels or with minimally invasive techniques, we can reach practically any region of the human body.
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What is a stroke?
A cerebrovascular attack is an event usually without prior warning, where, suddenly, there is an interruption of the adequate blood flow to the brain tissue, manifesting itself in neurological alterations that can be transitory or definitive; on many occasions, even with death as a consequence.
How many types of stroke are there?
Basically there are two types. The first and most frequent (up to 87% of cases) is the ischemic type. Where a mechanical blockage occurs, for example by a thrombus, of blood flow within the brain. The other is the hemorrhagic type, in which extravasation of blood occurs in the brain, and is what we know as cerebral hemorrhage.
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Why a stroke can be a silent enemy
A stroke usually gives no warning until it manifests itself. In case of having risk factors to suffer it, time can go by and if we are not aware of them, at a certain moment it will be too late. In addition, stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, only behind cardiovascular diseases, and is the leading cause of disability in the world. The socioeconomic repercussions of this disease are gigantic.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
In ischemic stroke, the most frequent symptoms occur suddenly and are caused by loss of strength and sensitivity on one side of the body, alterations in the comprehension or emission of language, twisted face or mouth, alterations in gait or in balance or sudden loss of vision, among others. In hemorrhagic stroke, the symptoms are usually preceded by a sudden-onset headache, usually stabbing, which they refer to as the most intense a person has ever felt in their entire life.
How to prevent a stroke?
The prevention of stroke is directly linked to the proper management of modifiable risk factors, such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, increased blood cholesterol levels, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating , obesity and lack of physical activity.
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What recovery tips can you give to stroke patients?
We will always insist that more important than recovery is the prevention of stroke and its detection if it occurs in order to offer medical or endovascular (catheterization) therapy as soon as possible. However, following it occurs, a process of professional support is necessary by a specialized medical team, nursing staff, a psychology team and, very importantly, a team of physiotherapists that allow a comprehensive recovery of the person.
What happens following a person has a stroke?
The vital and social dynamics change dramatically, from the functional and psychological point of view. Nothing is the same as before, because all the roles change depending on the person who suffers the attack and its neurological sequelae. Not to mention the economic conditions, because, of course, the labor productivity of the person who suffers these consequences changes.
What are the teachings that your profession has left you?
We take it for granted that we will wake up every morning or that we will get to sleep in our bed every night. It definitely isn’t. Life and health are authentic priceless treasures. And life is short enough to live in fear, not to love, to hold grudges and not forgive. If you consider the approximately 3.8 billion years of existence of life on Earth, living just eighty years is a breeze. Day that passes, day that does not return. You have to take advantage of every second.
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What has been the moment that has moved you the most during your career?
In my career I have witnessed true miracles in patients who have suffered strokes with very poor prognosis. It is incredible what adequate treatment, family support and, above all, the willpower of a person who wants to live and get ahead can do. The teachings and reflections that our patients leave us are too deep.