In 500 Words: Stroke Symptoms, Prevention, and Management

In 500 Words: Stroke Symptoms, Prevention, and Management

Personal health, today, is more predictable than ever. Complete guides exist on what to do and what not to, even for something as complex as brain health. All so that we are better aware of subjects like Canada’s third leading cause of death, i.e., stroke.

In comes the month of May. The Stroke Awareness Month. That perfect opportunity to talk about the prevention, symptoms, and management of stroke, and to make the understanding of this complex subject not so complex. So, let’s get to it right away.

Habits to Prevent Chances of Stroke

There is a lot you can do. It all comes down to a few healthy habits that you may have already given thought to. And as cliched as they may be, these habits do help in reducing one’s chances of stroke:

  1. Healthy Diet: Low in fats (trans and saturated), cholesterol, salt, and sugar. High in fibre
  2. Active Lifestyle: Incorporate aerobics, sports, and other such physical activities in life. In moderation, of course
  3. Avoid Addictions: No smoking and limited alcohol. Alcohol because too much of it raises blood pressure, which is a major contributor
  4. Weigh Right: As per BMI. Not too overweight and not too underweight

The earlier you adopt these habits, the lower your risk of a stroke will be. However, a lot can contribute to making you prone to the condition. Therefore, keep an eye out for the following symptoms. Your quick detection and response can be life-saving for someone.

Common Symptoms of Stroke

  1. Headache: One that is severe, sudden, and comes without a known cause
  2. Numb limbs or face, especially on one particular side of the body
  3. Speech and Understanding Difficulty: Difficulty forming or understanding even a simple sentence
  4. Sudden Sight Issues: This may happen in one or both eyes. Blurriness or loss of focus that wasn’t there earlier
  5. Loss of Self-Control: It may become hard to balance yourself or coordinate the movement of different body parts

Management of Stroke

If you observe those symptoms in a person, call 911 immediately. Once help is on its way, make sure to not let the sufferer go to sleep. Stroke patients feel tired after it, but the hospital is where they need to be after the episode. This is important because stroke treatment is highly time-sensitive.

If needed, perform CPR. If you don’t know how to do it, ask around for someone who does.

Remember, stroke happens when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain gets clotted or bursts. This can damage certain brain cells, causing one to suffer through memory problems, speaking troubles, paralysis, weakness, and even depression afterwards.

The damaged cells, however, are not irreparable. Depending on the stroke type, response time, and subsequent care, the cells can regenerate between a couple of months to a couple of years. If you seek a professional to assist you in that phase, give Annie’s Place a call.