October 29th is World Stroke Day. Experts remind that as the autumn and winter seasons transition, the risk of stroke in the elderly increases with temperature changes, and special caution is needed. Gong Yulii, Deputy Chief Physician of the Neurology Department of Sichuan Rehabilitation Hospital, introduced that stroke, commonly known as "stroke", is an acute cerebrovascular disease. Due to sudden rupture of cerebral blood vessels causing bleeding (cerebral hemorrhage), or blockage of blood vessels preventing blood flow into the brain leading to ischemia (cerebral infarction), brain tissue damage can lead to disability and even life-threatening conditions. Zeng Shiyi, a neurosurgeon from Sichuan Rehabilitation Hospital, told the reporter that stroke is characterized by high incidence rate, high recurrence rate, high disability rate, high mortality rate and high economic burden. It is one of the major diseases threatening the health of our people. Research has shown that changes in temperature difference are one of the important factors leading to stroke, and extreme temperatures (such as heatwaves or cold waves) can significantly increase the risk of stroke death. Cold weather can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system in the body, causing blood pressure to rise due to vasoconstriction. Hypertension is one of the important risk factors for stroke. In addition, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unreasonable diet, overweight or obesity, and lack of exercise are all the main risk factors for stroke, "Zeng Shiyi said. Gong Yulai reminds that once a stroke occurs, it can cause damage to the brain, potentially leading to serious consequences and even death. Early identification of stroke related symptoms and rapid treatment are crucial. In the autumn and winter seasons, patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, elderly people and other key populations should pay special attention to weather changes, be vigilant about "seasonal stroke", and prevent the occurrence of stroke by strengthening warmth preservation, reasonable diet, moderate exercise, and controlling emotions. If symptoms such as skewed mouth and unclear speech occur, timely medical attention should be sought. "Elderly people should also control basic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, pay attention to maintaining a calm mood, avoid excessive exercise, and eat a light diet," Gong said. Chen Xinxing, a therapist at the Occupational Therapy Center of Sichuan Rehabilitation Hospital, reminds that stroke has an urgent onset and rapid progression, which may lead to limb paralysis, language disorders, swallowing difficulties, cognitive impairment, and mental depression. It is also important to carry out rehabilitation treatment as soon as possible after surgical treatment to reduce the occurrence of various complications and sequelae, and improve the quality of life of patients, "said Chen Xinxing. (Reporter Dong Xiaohong) (Xinhua News Agency)