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Stroke
Also known as brain attack.
A stroke or cerebral vascular accident (CVA) happens when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts. Oxygen is stopped from reaching the brain cells in the damaged area. The damage may be small but the effects on the body can be huge.
Clots are the most common causes of a stroke. Clots can occur where blood vessels have narrowed due to a long-term build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessel walls, or when fat, air or any other material enter the blood supply and block a blood vessel in the brain.
Strokes can be fatal, but more commonly they are disabling. The effects of a stroke vary depending on where the brain is damaged. A stroke may cause weakness or numbness down one side of the body, difficulties in speaking and thinking clearly, emotional problems and partial loss of vision.
People at greatest risk of having a stroke are those who smoke,
have high blood pressure, heart
disease and heart failure, are elderly, drink heavily or binge drink,
or have already had a stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA - a small
temporary stroke which does not cause long-term brain damage). People
with diabetes are also at increased risk.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The symptoms of a stroke usually develop quickly, over minutes or hours. These symptoms should be regarded as an emergency, and medical attention should be sought urgently. They include:
- unexplained weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- difficulty speaking
- unexplained dizziness
- blurred or sudden poor vision
- confusion
- loss of balance.
How can I prevent stroke?
You should keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Here are some ways to do this:
- Control your blood pressure. If you are on blood pressure tablets, take them as directed by your general practitioner. Have your blood pressure checked every second year, or more often if directed by your general practitioner.
- Do not smoke.
- Eat less fat and salt.
- Eat plenty of cereals fruit, fish and vegetables.
- Stay a healthy weight
- Exercise for 30 minutes most or every day of
the week. If you like, the 30 minutes can be accumulated in shorter
sessions of at least 10 minutes.
- Limit alcohol to two glasses a day (or less)
- Have regular check-ups with your general practitioner.
How can stroke be treated?
If you have suffered a stroke, your general practitioner will advise you about your treatment and may refer you to other experts for extra help.
Some people will be given aspirin or other drugs to help prevent blood clots. It is important to take any medication given to you by your general practitioner. It is also important to keep exercising your limbs and to practise talking if your speech has been affected. Referral to a supervised Rehabilitation Program is often very helpful.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your general practitioner (GP) or contact:
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