31 Oct 2018

Facts about Stroke and World Stroke Day (WSD)

Posted in All That Matters By attemptnwin On October 31, 2018

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to estimates, it occupies the second position just after heart attack. It is estimated that around 80 million living people have suffered from stroke and of this around 50 million live with some form of permanent disability. Quality of life after stroke deteriorates dramatically though having a meaningful life is possible with proper care and support. The heaviest cost of stroke is not death but the severe disability stroke causes to the survivor. October 29 each year is observed asWorld Stroke Day (WSD) to create awareness on stroke and related aspects.

What causes stroke?

Stroke occurs when blood fails to reach to a part of the brain. Brain cells get damaged in the absence of proper supply of blood. This damage of brain cells causes different impacts on various parts of the body depending on the spot of the brain that got damaged. Tobacco, hypertension, diabetes, alcoholism and abnormal heart rhythm are the root causes of stroke.

What are the impacts of stroke?

As per estimates, every two seconds someone suffers stroke and every sixth second someone dies of it. More people die due to stroke than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria put together. Stroke affects a person’s body, mobility and speech. It may also alter feelings and thinking pattern of the affected. Stroke is the leading cause of disability across the globe. Age has no relevance in the case of stroke and it can occur at any age. The sufferings of a survivor affect the members of the family, friends and society.

Some facts about stroke

i.Early identification of stroke prevents death and improves recovery. A check known as FAST check enables to identify stroke. The following can be the symptoms of a stroke.
Face – Once side droops
Arms — One hand may be weak when raising both arms
Speech — The words jumble or slur while speaking
Time – If you identify the above symptoms, then time is crucial. Immediately rush the affected for emergency medical attention.

ii. Around one out of ten registers excellent recovery with proper care and specialized treatment.
iii. Clot bursting drugs improves the chances of recovery by busting the clots. The chance of good outcome increases with application of clot busting drugs, especially if administered immediately.
iv. Clot retrieval treatment involves removal of clot and improve survival rates drastically. It also reduces disability.
v. Rehabilitation improves functions and enables the survivor to regain independences as early as possible.
vi. Survivors are prone to further strokes. One in four survivors suffers another stroke. Drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation etc along with life style changes can reduce the risk of another stroke. Life style changes warrant eating well, remaining physically active, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption and managing stress.

October 29 – World Stroke Day (WSD)

World Stroke Day is observed on October 29th of each year to create more awareness and to attract world attention on stroke, its impact and survivors. The stroke is showing a declining trend in western countries but the incidence of stroke is increasing in developing countries like India. The best methods to reduce the stroke are primary and secondary prevention. Primary prevention can be achieved by creating more awareness on risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, alcoholism, smoking, etc. Secondary prevention can be achieved by ensuring timely medical attention for the affected.

The theme selected for the World Stroke Day in 2018 was ‘support’. It focused on the issues and needs of stroke survivors and their caregivers to ensure the quality of life after stroke.