Treatment methods for blocked brain arteries
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βThe Deadly Danger of Stroke Caused by Blocked Brain Blood Vesselsβ
* In the Philippines, stroke has become a major health concern among middle-aged adults, with many deaths occurring between ages 40 and 65+, mostly caused by blocked brain blood vessels (ischemic stroke).
Rehabilitation after a stroke in older adults is often challenging
written by Henrylito Tacio February 10, 2026 0 comments
Dr. Jose C. Navarro : βMany people ignore the warning signs, but a stroke caused by blocked brain arteries can strike suddenly and take a life within minutes.β
Many adults ignore the early warning signs of stroke until it becomes a serious emergency.
But the main thing that Dr. Jose C. Navarro teaches us is to remember that our health depends 90% on daily activity.
The Late Filipina Actress Isabel Granada β Passed Away Due to Stroke
π§ 1. Stroke Is a Leading Cause of Death and Disability
In the Philippines, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and severe long-term complications. It ranks third among the top causes of mortality, following other major cardiovascular diseases.
π§ 3. Severe Consequences of Stroke Caused by Blocked Brain Blood Vessels
When a brain blood vessel becomes blocked (ischemic stroke), the brain is rapidly deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die, leading to serious long-term complications such as:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Loss of speech or language impairment
- Cognitive decline and memory loss
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
π These complications profoundly affect daily functioning and overall quality of life.
πΈ 2. Massive Financial Burden on Patients and Families
The cost of stroke treatment in the Philippines is extremely high β potentially reaching millions of pesos for emergency care, hospitalization, and post-discharge rehabilitation. Long-term recovery expenses also place a heavy financial burden on patients and their families.
π§ 4. Stroke Causes Not Only Physical Disability but Also Cognitive and Emotional Disorders
Brain damage after a stroke can significantly impair thinking and emotional stability, leading to:
- Dementia
- Emotional instability
- Depression and anxiety
- Reduced concentration and memory
π These effects can be long-lasting and are often difficult to fully recover from.
Stroke caused by blocked brain arteries is one of the most serious health threats affecting many people in the Philippines today. Warning signs may include sudden dizziness, severe headaches, numbness in the face or limbs, blurred vision, and difficulty speaking or understanding words.
Do you think age is the only reason? Is there nothing you can do? Wrong! Read this article and find out:
If left untreated, stroke caused by blocked brain arteries can lead to permanent brain damage, paralysis, and even death.
- If left untreated, stroke caused by blocked brain arteries can lead to severe brain damage, paralysis, and even death.
- What dangerous conditions can occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked?
- What are the early warning signs that your brain is not getting enough blood?
- How can you support healthy blood circulation in the brain at home?
- Why is stroke caused by blocked brain arteries so dangerous, and what are the consequences if it is not treated in time?
- How can you reduce the risk of stroke even when common medications seem ineffective?
- What modern scientific research is helping prevent blocked brain arteries and protect brain health?
We had an exclusive interview with the , Dr. Jose C. Navarro
Specialty β Stroke & Neurology:
Dr. Jose C. Navarro is one of the experienced neurologists in the Philippines specializing in the prevention and treatment of stroke caused by blocked brain arteries. He focuses on diagnosing and managing cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), and other disorders related to impaired blood flow to the brain.
Interviewed by Henrylito Tacio
β Dr. Jose C. Navarro, you often tell your patients that many stroke cases can be prevented through daily habits. Why is that?
The human body depends on a stable and healthy blood circulation system. When blood flows smoothly through the arteries, the brain receives enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. However, when blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, it can lead to stroke caused by blocked brain arteries.
β When blood circulation is healthy:
More oxygen and nutrients reach the brain, helping maintain normal brain function.
The brain cells stay active and protected from damage.
Blood vessels remain flexible and less likely to become blocked.
The risk of blood clots that can cause stroke is significantly reduced.
The bodyβs overall circulation improves, supporting heart and brain health.
Our blood vessels are like vital pathways that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain. If they become narrowed or blocked over time due to poor lifestyle habits and lack of care, blood flow to the brain can be disrupted, increasing the risk of stroke caused by blocked brain arteries.
βThank you, doctor. But many people still donβt know how to recognize the early warning signs of a stroke.β
question from reporter Henrylito Tacio
βAlright, since we don't have enough time,I will tell you about the symptoms corresponding to each stage of the disease.β
5 Signs and Symptoms to Recognize
According to Dr. Jose C. Navarro , you can tell a person having a stroke by following a short code. He calls it STRAW and it stands for:
Smile: Ask the person to smile. βIf one side of the face lags behind or looks crooked, then that is a telltale sign of a stroke,β Dr. Leachon says. βThis is because a stroke can affect the nerves controlling the muscles of the face.β
Talk a few words: Let the patient speak and then ask him to stick out his tongue. βIn a stroke, the person cannot speak coherently and may slur his words,β he says. βAnd when he puts out the tongue, the tongue may point slightly to one side of the face. However, in mild cases of stroke, there could only be a difficulty in pronouncing the words.β
Raise arms and legs: According to Dr. Leachon, the patient may lose the strength of one side of his arms or legs during a stroke. βThere could also be numbness of the limbs,β he says. βAnd when you ask the person to raise both hands, one arm could be lagging behind. Another technique is to ask the person to trip your hand tightly. If one hand is weaker, then this is another sign of a stroke.β
Ask questions: Among those be asked pertains to headache, eye problems or numbness of the hands or legs. Dr. Leachon explains: βIn the ischemic type, the patient may not complain of a headache. Eye problems, such as blurring of vision and trouble seeing peripheral objects, may also be a sign of a stroke. A commonly missed finding is numbness of the arms or legs. Touch the personβs arms and legs lightly. Then ask the person if he has the same feeling for both sides of the arms or legs. If there is some loss of sensation on one side, then it could be a stroke.β
Walk: Let the patient walk in a straight line. βBecause a stroke can affect the strength and balance of oneβs legs, the patient can have difficulty walking,β he says. βCan he stand straight or does he fall on one side? Is there something wrong with his stride?β
βBrain arteries are like water pipes in a house. Over time, fat and plaque build up inside the pipes, making them narrower and narrower. When the flow becomes blocked, blood can no longer reach the brain properly, which may lead to a stroke.β
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