Learn to recognise the signs of a stroke

Stroke Week, 12 - 16 September 2011

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in South Africa, killing around 60 people every day. Sadly many other South Africans are disabled and maimed every year by this quite common and potentially devastating medical condition. The good news is that today a large number of individuals who suffer a stroke can be successfully treated if they are taken to a hospital on time. This is why it is so important for all of us to learn what the symptoms of a stroke are and ensure that a stroke victim receives medical treatment urgently.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) on-going effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to share real life member stories with you and explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of stroke this Stroke Week, 12 - 16 September 2011.

GEMS member Pieter van der Merwe* noticed one Sunday evening recently that his 78-year-old mother, Elizabeth, was slurring her words and the one side of her face was drooping. She almost seemed to be drunk, but Pieter knew only too well that his mother never drank alcohol. Alarmed, he shouted for his wife to call an ambulance.

The doctor at the hospital where Elizabeth was treated told Pieter that his mother had suffered a stroke. The doctor said that Pieter had done the right thing by getting her to hospital so soon after he noticed the first symptoms. "Stroke victims can often be successfully treated if they can be taken to a hospital within three or four hours of the first symptoms," pointed out the doctor. "Accessing treatment quickly can minimise the damage caused by a stroke and even save a victim's life." 

A stroke is a medical condition in which brain function can be lost as a result of parts of the brain being starved of blood. These affected parts of the brain start to die if blood flow cannot be restored to them. This can cause the victim to lose functioning of certain parts of the brain and body, and sometimes even lead to death. Doctors will therefore concentrate on restoring the blood flow as soon as possible with appropriate treatments.

The effects of strokes vary greatly and depend upon which parts of the brain have been affected and how severely it has been damaged. In some cases patients make a full recovery and suffer no ill affects whatsoever while in other cases victims may be blinded, unable to move a limb or limbs or even be completely paralysed. Many people are severely affected by a stroke physically, mentally and emotionally.

Some stroke survivors recover their brain function over time and regain their sight or the use of their limbs once more. Caregivers will concentrate on helping the victim to recover as many mental functions as possible in the hope that he or she may return to independent living once more.

There are two main types of stroke known as ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. The ischemic stroke is the most common type and is caused by a blood clot or embolism blocking blood from flowing to areas of the brain. The haemorrhagic stroke is caused by a haemorrhage or bleeding in the brain, which also has the effect of starving parts of the brain of blood.

So exactly what symptoms might indicate that an individual is having a stroke? Symptoms can vary, but may include one or more of the following:

• Weakness in an arm or leg or both. The victim may feel numbness or ‘pins and needles' on one side of the body. They may experience a mild weakness or total paralysis.
• Weakness in the muscles of the face and slurred speech. The patient's face may droop and he or she may not be able to speak properly.
• Coordination problems. The individual may have difficulty with balance and walking. He or she may appear drunk, feel dizzy and have a problem swallowing.
• Vision problems. The individual may experience difficulty with their vision ranging from total blindness to loss of peripheral or side vision.
• Sudden severe headache. The patient may experience a sudden stabbing headache.

If you think a loved one or someone you know is having a stroke call an emergency service and get the victim to a hospital or emergency department immediately. Do not wait in the hope that the individual's symptoms will go away on their own. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a stroke, so ensure that the patient's condition is investigated by emergency medical practitioners as soon as possible.

A person who is suspected of having had a stroke should not be allowed to drive himself or herself to hospital. He or she may not be able see or coordinate their movements properly and may be a danger on the road. Rather call an ambulance, which is usually the quickest and safest way to transfer an emergency patient to hospital.

Some people suffer ‘mini strokes' or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Mini strokes are less serious than a full-blown stroke and the symptoms go away completely after 24-hours. Even mini strokes should be considered a medical emergency, however, because they can sometimes proceed to a full-blown stroke. Medical practitioners will therefore want to ascertain what caused a mini stroke in the hope of preventing a patient from potentially suffering a major stroke.

There is much one can do to avoid getting a stroke. The following are some helpful prevention guidelines:

• Work with your doctor to control your blood pressure. Having high blood pressure can greatly increase one's risk of suffering a stroke.
• High cholesterol levels may be dangerous and should be reduced.
• If you suffer from diabetes work with your doctor to control it.
• Smokers have a higher risk of having a stroke. Give it up.
• If you take drugs such as cocaine give them up.
• If you are a heavy drinker reduce your alcohol intake.
• Enjoy a lower fat diet with lots of vegetables and without too much salt.
• Exercise improves your overall health. Be sure to get some exercise around four times a week. Even a daily brisk walk has many health benefits.

Pieter's mother has regained most of her strength and is showing few ill effects from the stroke that caught her and her family so unawares six weeks ago. Pieter is delighted at his mother's rapid recovery and likes to believe that a higher power was looking after her that day. Her doctor has a different view, suggesting that Pieter's quick response to his mother's stroke had saved the day. She was treated soon after having her stroke and doctors had been able to minimise the damage caused. Whatever the truth, Pieter's family is just grateful to have Elizabeth home again.

If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.

Sources:
1. ‘Stroke', emedicinehealth, Dr Dexter Morris, www.emedicinehealth.com/stroke/article_em.htm.
2. ‘Stroke' Health24, www.health24.com.
3.  ‘What is a stroke', Medical News Today, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624.php.

*The member's name has been changed in order to protect his identity.