Stroke awareness: Recognizing critical symptoms and risks

Stroke remains a critical health concern in South Korea, ranking as the fourth leading cause of death according to 2024 statistics. Medical experts warn that sudden symptoms such as unilateral limb weakness, slurred speech, facial numbness, vision impairment, or severe dizziness should not be dismissed as mere fatigue.

Stroke is categorized into cerebral infarction (ischemic) and cerebral hemorrhage (hemorrhagic). Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service shows a rising trend in patients, with cerebral infarction cases increasing from approximately 508,415 in 2021 to an estimated 542,750 in 2025. Common risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Medical professionals emphasize the danger of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), where symptoms appear briefly and then disappear. Even if symptoms resolve, TIA serves as a critical warning sign of an impending major stroke. Rapid medical intervention via CT or MRI is essential, as the effectiveness of treatments like thrombolytics or mechanical thrombectomy is highly time-dependent. Early treatment is vital to minimize permanent brain damage and long-term sequelae.