International Stroke day

Come 30 October, the entire world will unite in celebration of International Stroke day. As part of the united celebration, the Eugene Marais Hospital is offering free testing for cholesterol and blood glucose, free measurement of blood pressure, information on strokes (prevention and treatment) and information regarding the rehabilitation unit and the rehabilitation programme on 30 October from 09:00-14:00.

Gerda Swart, rehabilitation practice manager of the Eugene Marais Rehabilitation Unit, said that warning signs of a stroke include: a sudden severe headache with no cause, sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. “It also includes a sudden confusion, loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding speech. Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or falls, trouble walking, loss of balance or co-ordination as well as dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye only,” Swart said.

She said a stroke is also referred to as a cerebrovascular incident, which is the rapid loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to a lack of blood flow caused by a blockage in an artery or a hemorrhage. As a result, the affected area of the brain cannot function and this may result in the inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, the inability to understand or formulate speech, and/or the inability to see one side of the visual field.

“A stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurological damage and death. Risk factors for stroke include: old age, high blood pressure, previous stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco smoking and atrial fibrillation. It is the second leading cause of death worldwide.”

She said that rehabilitation after a stroke is important and, depending on the severity of the stroke, the unaffected areas of the brain could be taught to take over the function of the damaged area. “Rehabilitation plays an important role in assisting patients to regain their previous level of functioning.”

Swart said a good place to start in preventing a stroke is to live as stress-free a life as possible. “Some ways to avoid stress are to set realistic expectations, not to take on other people’s responsibilities, to maintain an optimistic viewpoint and to ask for help when needed. Decide and know what in your life can and cannot be controlled and keep yourself occupied and take on new hobbies. “Leave your work at the office to achieve a good work-life balance and exercise regularly.”