There are so many reported cases of emergencies that involve people experiencing a sudden stroke and untimely death, embolisms and many other such aliments. The number of these cases is on the rise in spite of growing knowledge and research on health and wellness. The simple question is; how can sudden stroke be avoided?
Stroke occurs as a result of problems with the blood supply to the brain. The brain needs oxygen and nutrients to perform optimally and these are transported through blood vessels. If either the blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel within the brain ruptures, the brain would be deprived of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die. This is then referred to as stroke.
Experts have pointed out that there are three main kinds of strokes: ischemic strokes, haemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). According to Mrs. Jaiyeola Mayode, an electro cardiographer at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, strokes can affect both the young and old. However, “it is generally very uncommon with young people. But, sometimes, it could occur and if care is not taken, it could lead to death.”
Just like with other diseases, there are certain factors that increase a person’s risk of being affected by a disease. With stroke, people who are overweight, aged 55 or older, have a personal or family history of stroke, do not exercise much, drink heavily or use illicit drugs are more likely to be affected.
Several studies have also shown that people who tend to be depressed and show depressive symptoms, as well as have chronic stress in their lives, have an increased risk of having a stroke. This is particularly prominent among the old. It was also discovered that those who entertain feelings of hostility, but not anger, were also at risk of cerebrovascular disease such as stroke.
There are a lot of symptoms that accompany an attack but Mrs. Mayode states that “the ones that are very common are: inability to talk fluently or at all, inability to move hand, leg, having a feeling that the tongue is twisting while talking.” Others include paralysis or weakness on one or both sides of the body, trouble controlling or expressing emotions, depression, loss of control of bladder or bowel movement.
A simple way to recognise the sudden signs of stroke is remembering the acronym F.A.S.T. which stands for Face drooping (observe if one side of the person’s face droops or is numb. You can ask the person to smile to ascertain this); Arm weakness (is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms to determine this); Speech difficulty (notice of the person’s speech is slurred or they are unable to speak. You can ask the person to repeat a sentence to determine if there is problem with speech); Time is everything. Get the person to a hospital as fast as possible.
Once you notice someone is suffering an attack, time is everything. How quickly it is diagnosed and treated would determine, to a large extent, if the patient would experience temporary or permanent disabilities in the aftermath of the stroke. However, if prompt treatment is given and the stroke is properly managed, such a person can still live to 70 years or older. Sadly, stroke can only be managed as there is no known cure.
“Stroke is treatable but not curable. It can only be managed. A person who suffers from stroke would have a better life if he followed the directives of his doctor. Things may not return to how it was before the stroke but he/she may not have to die from it. For instance, the person that could fold his hands, with enough treatment and care, might open the hand but will not be able to work like before. Part of treatment includes going for periodic check-ups, avoiding stress and surrounding oneself with a healthy social support system,” Mrs Mayode added.
Moreover, diet modifications may also be necessary. Mrs. Mayode says, “For a person who has been diagnosed of having a stroke, the consumption of oil must be reduced. Such a person must avoid eating fatty foods and offal. Proteinous foods like beans and meat should be a part of the diet, fruits like oranges, unripe banana, (ripe banana is not too good for a stroke patient) and pawpaw are also good.”
Can strokes be prevented? Yes, they can. Medical experts state that the right diet and supplements rich in fruits and vegetables and low in cholesterol and saturated fat, supported with a healthy, active lifestyle, controlled blood pressure, healthy weight, moderate alcohol consumption and kicking smoking tobacco is the key to leading healthier, fitter and ultimately, happier lives.
Tribune.
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