Joanita Wibowo
Mind

How to survive a stroke

When a stroke happens, acting fast is crucial to survival. As the third most common cause of death and a leading cause of disability in Australia, stroke interrupts blood supply to the brain, preventing brain cells from accessing oxygen and nutrients and damaging the brain tissue in the process.

According to Rush University Medical Center, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, increasing the risk of brain damage, disability and death.

The sooner a person receives treatment for stroke, the better the outcome. However, a lack of awareness of early stroke symptoms means that more people may miss out on getting prompt medical attention.

How to recognise the signs of stroke

Not all strokes are sudden and incapacitating – the signs can be subtler than commonly expected. The Stroke Foundation recommends using the FAST test to recognise the main symptoms of stroke:

Other signs of stroke may include:

What to do

Should you notice any symptoms on yourself or others, call 000 immediately.

Avoid driving yourself to the hospital – while this may seem like a quicker option, lifesaving treatment begins in the ambulance. Paramedics and ambulance workers can screen you on the way and ensure you get the necessary drugs and the most suitable procedures at the emergency department.

Who is at risk?

According to the Brain Foundation, the risk of stroke may increase for:

Stroke can be prevented with a low-fat, high-fibre diet, regular exercise and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Tags:
stroke, Health, Body, Caring