Different folks get different strokes
Be in the know about strokes this Stroke Awareness Month.
Today (29 October) is World Stroke Day and this month marks Stroke Awareness Month.
Both initiatives are spearheaded by several medical organisations in order to empower members of the public when it comes to strokes. During this Stroke Awareness Month, the focus will be on knowing the symptoms of a stroke, how to do the FAST test, and explaining why a scan is needed before treatment can begin. The ‘mySOS SA’ application will also be promoted to locate stroke services.
How do strokes occur:
There are two kinds of strokes, requiring different kinds of treatment.
The first type is an ischaemic stroke, which occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by a blockage in an artery that carries blood to the brain. Approximately 80 per cent of strokes fall in to this category.
The second type is a haemorrhagic stroke. This kind of stroke is less common and is often linked to uncontrolled high blood pressure.
The visual symptoms for both types are the same and only an MRI or a CT Scan can determine the kind of stoke and the best way to treat it. Both types can cause rapid death of brain tissue. The key to surviving a stroke and limiting brain damage is getting to a hospital that is equipped to deal with strokes as fast as possible.
The Angels initiative (a Boehringer Ingelheim brainchild) is there to assist hospitals in improving stroke care throughout South Africa. The initiative, which is endorsed by the European Stroke Organisation, was originally implemented in Europe. It will soon be introduced and implemented locally.
Know the FAST test this Stroke Awareness Month:
• F – Face: Ask the patient to smile. Is the one side droopy?
• A – Arms: Ask the patient to lift his/ her arms. Notice one not able to come up all the way or drift downward?
• S – Speech: Ask the patient to repeat a simple phrase. Notice weird speech or slurring?
• T – Time: If you observe these signs, call an ambulance.
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