Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Health experts say prompt recognition of stroke symptoms and immediate medical attention can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the risk of permanent disability.
Medical professionals continue to encourage greater public awareness of stroke, emphasising that every minute counts when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, preventing brain cells from receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
The two main types of stroke are:
- Ischaemic stroke, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain.
- Haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
Both types require immediate medical attention.
Who Is at Risk?
Several factors can increase the risk of stroke, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Advancing age
- Family history of stroke
Health experts note that controlling these risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
Recognising the Warning Signs
Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly. Common warning signs include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty walking
- A severe headache with no known cause
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
Remember the FAST Warning Signs
Healthcare professionals encourage the public to remember the FAST method for recognising a stroke:
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward
