STROKE PREVENTION
Knowledge of risk factors for stroke and taking appropriate measures to counter act these can play an important role in both primary and secondary prevention of stroke.
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A stroke occurs when areas of the brain are damaged as a result of a disruption in blood supply to the brain.
Blood supply can be disrupted in two ways:
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Blockage (thrombosis/embolism): a blood clot, or atherosclerotic plaque (fatty build up) blocks the arteries to the brain cutting off blood supply.
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Bleed (hemorrhage): the blood vessel bursts causing bleeding into the brain tissue.
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Each of the following risk factors can increase your chance of a stroke:
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Medical Risk Factors:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes Mellitus (diabetes)
- High blood Cholesterol
- Current Heart Disease
- Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV)
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Lifestyle factors:
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Drug abuse
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Act F.A.S.T. - Can you Identify a Stroke?
Courtesy of St. David's HealthCare.
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If you suspect someone is having a stroke get them to hospital as soon as possible, and preferably to a hospital with a stroke unit, because in certain cases, strokes can be reversed if the blood flow to the brain is restored before the brain tissue dies. It may be possible to reduce /remove a clot by means of medical or surgical procedures.
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In South Africa, contact your nearest hospital in case of emergency or dial 112 from a cellphone.
A stroke can result in one or more of the following impairments:
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Paralysis or weakness of limbs
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Sensory disturbances
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Poor balance
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Incontinence
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Language problems (Receptive and Expressive Aphasia)
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Speech disorders (Dysarthria and Apraxia)
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Swallowing problems
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Cognitive and perceptual impairments
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Visual impairments
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Where can I get more information about stroke and treatment options:
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Your doctor
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Hospitals
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Clinics /Community Health Centres in your area
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The Helderberg Stroke Support Group (A detailed resource list of services available to stroke survivors in the Helderberg Basin (Somerset West /Strand. Western Cape. South Africa) can be obtained from the office.