Rapid action highlighted in tackling stroke effects

Experts emphasise exercise, healthy diet and speedy medical response

The Stroke Association in Scotland is highlighting the importance of good hospital care to reduce the devastating effects of the condition.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off and is caused by a clot or bleeding.

It is Scotland’s third biggest killer and a leading cause of disability in the UK. Around 14,000 people in the country have a stroke every year and more than 120,000 live with its effects.

Clinical lead for stroke at Ninewells Hospital, Dr Matthew Lambert, highlighted the risk factors to mark

World Stroke Day. He said: “There are many factors that can contribute to having stroke.

“These include smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, and certain long-term conditions like diabetes.

“Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and drinking too much alcohol, and managing long term conditions can help reduce your risk of having a stroke.

“It’s important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke, particularly the FAST test, and to take action immediately.

“If you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 and ask for an ambulance.”

FAST stands for: FACE – has the person’s face fallen or is drooping to one side? ARMS – can the person raise both arms and keep them there? SPEECH – is the person’s speech slurred? TIME – it is time to call 999.

Angela Macleod, communications manager of the Stroke Association in Scotland, said: “When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down.

“The impact varies depending on which part of your brain is affected, but the effects can be devastating, affecting a person’s ability to walk, talk or think as they did before.

“Thankfully there is treatment for stroke, but you need to receive it quickly. Thrombolysis is a vital therapy to receive after a stroke, but being seen in the right place at the right time is fundamental to good care. It is fitting that this message on World Stroke Day is highlighted in the World Stroke Bill of Rights that everyone with suspected stroke should have rapid diagnosis and be treated quickly.

“We are also happy to be supporting NHS Tayside who are reorganising their stroke service to enable more people to benefit from treatment.”

For information, contact the Stroke helpline (0303 303 3100) or stroke.org. uk

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Simon Allison, 41, puts in the legwork for his recovery after he suffered a stroke.