Stroke

Stroke

The blood supply to the brain is very delicate, and any event that compromises this flow of blood to structures in the brain can result in a stroke. A stroke is a life-changing medical event that affects individuals of any age, although it is mostly reported in the elderly.

How do you know if someone is having a stroke?

A stroke can present in different ways and immediate recognition is the most important step in minimizing damage and preventing long-term disability in affected individuals.

The acronym FAST is a tool that was devised by medical professionals to help recognize if someone is having a stroke. Over the years, this acronym has saved thousands of people from sudden death due to lack of information.

F- Face drooping

Face drooping is one important feature of stroke that first appears in many cases. Check their facial symmetry and ask them to smile.

– Does their face appear droopy on one side?

– When they smile, does it appear to be uneven?

A- Arm Weakness

Weakness of one half of the body is another common symptom of stroke. You may notice reduced ability to use either the arms or legs when having a stroke. In severe instances, the affected half does not move at all.

– Can they lift up both arms without difficulty?

– Is one arm drifting as they try to raise it together?

– Can they hold a pen without difficulty?

S- Speech Difficulty

The part of the brain that controls speech is sometimes affected in a stroke. In some cases, the tongue is affected and slurring of speech results.

– Can they repeat a simple sentence after you without slurring their words?

– Are they struggling to say the right words, or is it difficult to understand their speech?

T- Time

Time is the most important factor once you identify a stroke. IMMEDIATELY call for help by reaching out to the nearest emergency medical services.

What if the stroke does not have the typical symptoms?

A stroke may present differently from the typical symptoms. You may experience confusion, sudden visual problems or just numbness on one side of your body.

Sudden onset of severe headache may point to rupture of blood vessels within the brain which is a life-threatening condition that needs prompt intervention.

What causes a stroke?

A stroke can broadly be classified as either an ischemic stroke or a hemorrhagic stroke.

Listed below are some known causes of stroke:

● Hypertension

● Heart diseases such as atrial fibrillation

● Diabetes

● Aging

● Brain aneurysms

● Blood disorders known as coagulopathies

● Brain infections

● Congenital Cardiac disorders

● Illicit Drug Use

● Sickle Cell Anemia

How can I improve the outcome of a stroke?

By acting FAST, you can significantly improve the outcome of a stroke because TIME IS OF IMPORTANCE TO THE BRAIN.

● Seek immediate medical intervention. A healthcare professional is in the best position to evaluate the type of stroke a person has. The timely administration of medications, or surgical intervention can be all that would save a life.

● Recovery is improved through different interventions. Neurological management, lifestyle modifications and physiotherapy are the backbone of a good recovery from stroke.

What to do to prevent future occurrences of stroke?

The chances of having another stroke increases when a person has had one stroke in the past.

You can prevent another stroke once your medical team has been able to identify the cause of the first stroke. In many cases, the stroke is due to an underlying condition such as hypertension, brain aneurysms, atherosclerosis or heart disorders. Other causes are: illicit drug use, obesity, inherited genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia, excess consumption of alcohol and smoking.

To prevent another stroke from happening, you have to adhere to the advice given by your doctor, nurses, dietitian and physiotherapist.

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