World Stroke Day
Today, October 29th is the so-called World Stroke Day. This day is meant to raise awareness of stroke, its symptoms, and the possible ways of its prevention.
What is stroke exactly?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply of the brain gets blocked by a clog or a blood vessel of the brain bursts. A stroke can be fatal or cause lasting brain damage.
The usual symptoms of a stroke can be:
- severe headache
- dizziness, lack of balance
- problems (such as blurred vision, double vision, and loss of vision)
- having trouble understanding others
- having trouble forming words or sentences
- having difficulties accessing memories
- having a hard time forming thoughts
You can decrease the chances of having a stroke in many ways.
- Exercise regularly
- Lower alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Quit smoking
- Monitor blood pressure (high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke)
- Manage diabetes, which is another leading cause of stroke
- Have regular checkups at the doctor
When it comes to stroke it is important to remember the meaning of the acronym FAST.
F: face
A: arms
S: speech
T: time
This will help memorise the main symptoms of a stroke and remind you of the importance of time, meaning you should get help and call an ambulance as soon as possible to decrease the chances of severe brain damage or even death.
Petra Georgina Borbély
