STROKE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Risk factors for stroke and other non-communicable diseases (NCDS) such as heart disease and cancer are quite similar.

Q WHAT IS STROKE?

Stroke occurs as a result of sudden disturbance of the blood supply to a particular area of the brain resulting in death or damage of the brain nerve cells. The mechanism is the same as with a heart attack. Thus stroke can be correctly termed a “brain attack”. One in four of us is at risk of stroke in our lifetime, but most strokes can be prevented by taking a few simple steps.

Q ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STROKE? IF SO WHAT ARE THEY?

The disturbance of the blood supply in most patients (85%) occur as a result of blockage of a feeding artery (termed ischaemic stroke or infarction) and in others due to rupture of a feeding artery (termed haemorrhagic stroke).

Q DOES STROKE SHARE THE SAME RISK FACTORS AS HEART DISEASE AND OTHER NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES?

Risk factors for stroke and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDS) such as heart disease and cancer are quite similar.

Q WHAT ARE THE TOP NCD’S THAT COULD TRIGGER A STROKE?

They are heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal blood lipid levels and disease affecting major feeding arteries of the brain.

Q EARLY SIGNS OF A STROKE? HAVE YOU GOT EASY TO FOLLOW GUIDELINES FOR LAYMEN?

Knowing the “FAST” recognition of stroke is the best way to remember the commonest signs of stroke. If any of the 3 signs are positive, the patient should be taken to the nearest major hospital immediately, even if the symptoms appear to improve.

Q WHY IS TIME SO IMPORTANT A FACTOR WHEN IT COMES TO TREATMENT?

The patient suspected to have developed a stroke should be taken immediately to the nearest major hospital with a CT scanner, as time to treatment is critical. It is estimated that an untreated stroke patient loses 1.9 million nerve cells every minute.

Q WHAT IS THE USUAL TREATMENT PROCEDURE?

First step would be to identify the type of stroke by a CT scan. Clot busting treatment will be given to eligible patients after assessment. Needy patients will undergo rehabilitation by a stroke team within a stroke unit.

Q HOW DO YOU PREVENT A STROKE?

Over 90% of strokes can be prevented by healthy life style practices and in some instances through medications. Easiest steps in maintaining a healthy life style is to stay away from both active and passive smoking and take alcohol in moderation (2 units a day for men and 1 unit a day for women). Next is to maintain a normal body mass index (18.5 – 24.9) and healthy waist circumference (less than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women). Regular moderate physical exercise (e.g. brisk walking) for 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week is recommended. Regular exercise together with healthy (in terms of both quality and quantity) balanced diet – rich in fibre, fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats, salt and sugar helps to maintain a healthy weight. Get your blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol levels and heart rhythm checked and take treatment if advised by your doctor.

Q IS IT TRUE THAT ONCE A STROKE THERE IS ALWAYS A DANGER OF ANOTHER STROKE?

One in four stroke survivors will suffer a second stroke. Therefore, all medications and healthy life style practices should be continued.

Q YOUR MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL AND CAREGIVERS OF STROKE PATIENTS.

Identify your own risk factors and follow the prevention advise detailed in this article. Care givers should encourage and ensure that patients continue their medications and healthy life style practices even after recovery to prevent a future stroke.

Sent by Dr Harsha Gunasekara, Consultant Neurologist, President – National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka