World Stroke Day 2018: What you need to know about warning signs, causes and treatment

STROKE is the fourth biggest natural cause of death in South Africa, where every day 360 people have a stroke and out of those, 110 people die and 90 are left with a life-changing disability

A stroke is a brain attack that happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off.

It can be caused by a blockage or a bleed.

Without blood, brain cells can be damaged or die, which can have different effects depending on where it happens in the brain, affecting the body, mobility and speech, as well as how patients think and feel.

The type of disability caused by a stroke depends on the extent of brain damage and what part of the brain is damaged.

It’s been proven that time lost is brain lost and every minute that treatment is delayed, more of your brain is damaged.

Checking the signs

The vast majority of strokes are preventable.

Educating people about stroke has all sorts of positive ramifications.

While prevention tops the list, another key is teaching the warning signs and to react immediately, by using the FAST system.

FAST stands for F – is their face dropping?

A – can they hold up their arms without one drifting down?

S – are they slurring their speech?

T – if there are any of these symptoms, it’s time to get them to a hospital with an emergency department.

Prevention is possible

While it is important to talk about early identification and treatment, it is just as important to talk about prevention.

Many strokes are preventable. Here’s how:

· Know your personal risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, elevated cholesterol and atrial fibrillation.

· Control or manage these conditions by working with your healthcare providers.

· Be active, exercise and engage in physical activity every day.

· Choose a healthy diet.

(Research: Connor M & Bryer A, 2006)

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