Stroke – Fast reaction saves lives

Although a stroke is a common and serious condition, many people do not know how to determine if they are having one, or brush off the early signs thinking the symptoms will go away. According to ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing, a stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or a leaking blood vessel, could lead to death or life-changing disabilities.

For this reason, ER24 is urging people to be aware of the early signs and to react quickly should they suspect a stroke. Dr Lynn Katsoulis, from Boehringer Ingelheim and MyStroke, said anyone can have a stroke, be it a child or adult.

She said that therapies that can minimise the volume of brain tissue affected by a clot are available, but they can only prevent tissue dying. There are no therapies available to stimulate regrowth of brain cells. Once someone has lost brain tissue following a stroke, if the patient is fortunate enough to recover, it can take months or years for the brain to find alternate pathways to perform similar functions.

She urged people to react quickly if they experience any sudden and persistent changes, such as: sudden limpness on one side; sudden decreased eye sight in one or both eyes; sudden loss of balance; sudden trouble speaking; or sudden onset of a severe and unusual headache or dizziness of unknown cause.

If unsure, do the FAST test, which entails the following and will detect most strokes:

Face: The person suspected of having a stroke should smile or show their teeth. If one side is limp, they could be having a stroke.

Arm: The person should raise both arms for five to 10 seconds while their eyes are closed. If one arm is limp or drifts down, they could be having a stroke.

Speech: Repeat any sentence. If there is trouble understanding or repeating the sentence, the person may be having a stroke.

Time: If any of the above is happening, the person must get to the nearest stroke unit or appropriate facility immediately.

With fatigue being one of the effects of a stroke, Dr Katsoulis urged patients not to go sleep as they will lose the short period during which the effects of the stroke can be reversed. If an ambulance is called, keep the patient awake and calm while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Do not give them anything to drink or eat. If the patient has collapsed, lie them on their side and make sure their airway is not obstructed.

If someone decides to take the patient to a stroke facility themselves, they should notify the hospital that they are on the way so that the stroke team can get everything ready to receive the suspected stroke patient at the expected time of arrival.