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Stroke Awareness: Recognising the Signs and Taking Action

World Stroke Day, observed on 29th October each year, is a crucial reminder of the global impact of stroke. This day serves as a wake-up call for individuals, healthcare providers, and communities to raise awareness about stroke symptoms and prevention.

The Importance of World Stroke Day

Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The consequences can affect a person's ability to move, speak, and even think. Stroke is a public health concern that demands immediate medical attention.

Recognising Stroke Symptoms

Dr. Tariq Matin emphasises the importance of promptly recognizing stroke symptoms for effective treatment and minimising long-term damage. Common stroke symptoms include:

1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness: Affecting one side of the body, often the face, arm, or leg.

2. Difficulty Speaking: Sudden confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding and forming words.

3. Trouble Walking: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or the feeling of one side of the body being heavier.

4. Severe Headache: A sudden and severe headache, often referred to as the "worst headache of your life," can indicate a hemorrhagic stroke.

5. Visual Disturbances: Sudden vision problems, such as blurred or double vision.

Dr. Matin recommends the FAST method for quick stroke recognition:

F (Face): Ask the person to smile and check for facial drooping.

A (Arms): Have them raise both arms to see if one drifts downward.

S (Speech): Listen for slurred or garbled speech when they repeat a simple phrase.

T (Time): If any of these signs are observed, call emergency services immediately.

Diagnosing Stroke

Early diagnosis is essential to ensure timely and effective treatment. The diagnostic procedures involved in identifying and managing strokes can be:

1. Imaging Tests: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain help determine the type of stroke- ischemic (caused by a clot) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding).

2. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test examines the heart's electrical activity and identifies irregular heart rhythms that may contribute to strokes.

3. Angiography: In certain cases, an angiogram is performed to visualise blood vessels in the brain, aiding in the detection of abnormalities.

Prevention- The Key to Reducing Stroke Incidence

One of the most powerful facts about stroke is that 80% of all strokes are preventable. Understanding the risk factors and taking necessary precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. These risk factors include: