www.womanthismonth.com March 2017 LIFESTYLE | wellbeing 43 Prompt treatment of a stroke is the deciding factor between disability and recovery A TIA is also caused by a clot in the brain, but it dissolves on its own and symptoms alleviate in a day. This is generally a precursor to a regular stroke, which can occur a few days or weeks after a TIA. Medical assistance should be promptly sought to avoid the risk of a stroke any time in the future. How do I know it’s a stroke? “One must keep in mind the basic symptoms of a stroke – numbness or weakness on one side of the body, hampered speech, loss of consciousness, giddiness, vision problems and memory impairment,” reminds Dr Vatwani. In both types of stroke, time is of utmost importance. Restoration of blood flow and oxygen to the brain must begin at the earliest moment possible – within a period of four hours. It is thus imperative for a lay person to figure out whether a person has been affected by a stroke. Remember the catchword FAST. A simple evaluation of the person’s behaviour can save his or her life. “Treatment includes anti-platelets like aspirin and plavix, restoring normal blood circulation and hospitalisation for further care. Doctors will also start treating the underlying conditions which may have caused the stroke,” says Dr Vatwani. Research points out that women who survive a stroke are likely to recover more slowly then men and also experience depression, fatigue, disability and a poorer quality of life. Recovery from a stroke can vary from patient to patient. Physiotherapy helps to gain control of lost body functions. However, some people take longer than others to start walking, speaking and functioning normally. During this trying time, patients and their caregivers must maintain a positive outlook and develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. “The cause of a stroke is multifactorial,” says Dr Vatwani. “Smoking is the number one cause. Others factors include high cholesterol. The thick plaque-like substance of cholesterol coats the inside of the arteries, causing them to become narrow. This reduces the flow of blood to the brain. Diabetes also leads to multiple narrowing of the arteries.” To reduce the likelihood of stroke, the World Health Organsiation recommends a diet high in natural produce and low in salt, along with 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking or heavy alcohol consumption. Levels of blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure should be monitored closely. Treatment and Coping What can I do to keep stroke-safe? FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop? ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? TIME If yes, call for emergency medical aid immediately. F A S T Approximately two million brain cells can die in every minute that the brain does not receive oxygen and nutrients from blood. This results in certain body functions being affected, like walking and talking. It is important to remember that symptoms of stroke can sometimes be devoid of any pain. That is the reason many victims disregard the warning signs and do not realise the gravity of their situation.
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