A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the higher the risk of brain damage. A Stroke is not a heart attack, it occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off. A stroke can occur in 2 ways:
Type 1: Blocked Artery
A stroke caused by a blood clot is called an ischaemic stroke. In everyday life, blood clotting is beneficial. When you are bleeding from a wound, blood clots work to slow and eventually stop the bleeding. However, in the case of a stroke, blood clots are dangerous because they can block arteries and cut off blood flow.
Type 2: Bleeding in the brain
Strokes caused by a break in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain are called haemorrhagic strokes. This causes blood to leak into the brain and to stop the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
The signs of a stroke – F.A.S.T
The F.A.S.T. test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of a stroke. Ask these simple questions:
Face: Has their mouth or face drooped?
Arm: Can they lift both arms?
Speech: Is their speech slurred?
Time: If you see any of these signs, phone 000 immediately.
Other signs of a stroke include:
- Weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arms or legs
- Trouble speaking or understanding
- Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
- Loss or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden headache
- Difficulty swallowing
Preventing a stroke
A healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing a stroke, the main factors include:
- Eating a healthy & balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Not smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Regular Health Checks with your Doctor to monitor Blood Pressure and perform routine Blood Tests to ensure risk factors are minimised.
Ask your Doctor at Pro Medical SA, whether you are at risk and advice on how to prevent a stroke from occuring.