Signs Of A Stroke by Jane Thurnell-Read

A stroke happens due to a clot or bleed in the brain, which causes brain cells to die. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies. Stroke is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of severe disability in the UK. Every year about 700,000 Americans experience a stroke; about 160,000 of these people die. I think the statistics are probably similar in many other countries. 

Often there is no warning before a stroke happens, but some people suffer transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) prior to having a full blown stroke. These are known as mini-strokes.

The symptoms of a TIA are the same as for a stroke , but they last for a shorter period of time (from several minutes to up to 24 hours) and appear to leave no permanent effect. People who have had a TIA are nine times as likely to have a stroke as are those who haven't had a TIA according to the Mayo Clinic.

Intervention immediately after a stroke or a TIA happens can save lives, but how do you know the person's had a stroke?

The UK Stroke Association have publicised three simple tests that can help you recognise whether someone has had a stroke or a TIA:

 

F Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or an eye drooped?

A Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

S Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

T Test these signs. If you see any of these signs, call the emergency services immediately.

 

The Stroke Association has a lot more factual information on its web site. Click here to go to it.

Stroke Prevention

Revised American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines say:

"Those who make healthy lifestyle choices — such as not smoking, eating a low-fat diet high in fruits and vegetables, drinking in moderation, exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight — lower risk of a first stroke as much as 80 per cent compared with those who don’t make such changes. The preventive benefit increases with each positive change adopted."

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Check out signs of a heart attack too.