Early treatment is vital. This acronym could save a life.
Ken was watching the midday news at home in Toukley. His wife Maureen was making lunch in the kitchen. Ken heard her call out, but couldn’t understand what she said. He got up to find out what she wanted. Something about a sandwich? Her reply was slurred. Ken saw Maureen’s mouth was drooping. He called triple zero.
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A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. This lack of blood flow can cause brain cells to die, leading to potential long-term damage or even death. Recognising and responding to a stroke quickly can significantly impact recovery and reduce complications.
One effective way to remember the signs of a stroke is the acronym FAST, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Here’s what each letter represents:
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Check if one side of their face droops or appears uneven.
- Arms: Have the person raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or is weak, it could be a sign of a stroke.
- Speech: Listen to the person’s speech. If they have trouble speaking or their words are slurred, it could indicate a stroke.
- Time: If you notice any of these symptoms, time is crucial. Call emergency services immediately. The faster you act, the better the chances of minimising damage.
Speed is critical when it comes to treating a stroke. Medical professionals have a limited window, usually within a few hours from the onset of symptoms, to administer treatments that can dissolve blood clots or minimise brain damage. The longer the brain goes without proper blood flow, the more severe the potential damage can become.
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This August 5 to 11 is National Stroke Week. The goal is to ensure people know the signs of stroke F.A,S.T. so they can save a life.
Stroke kills more women in Australia every year than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer, according to the Stroke Foundation. It is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the country, making it a significant public health concern.
Who has strokes?
Although strokes mostly occur in people over 85 years of age, it’s a myth that only older people have strokes.
In 2020, 24 percent of all first-time strokes happened to people who were 54 years old or younger, according to research by Deloittes.
Strokes can happen at any age.
Ischemic Stroke (pronounced is-key-mik): This is a stroke caused by a blockage. This is the most common type, accounting for about 87 percent of all strokes.. It happens when a blood clot or other debris blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The blockage can be due to:
Up to 120 babies and 400 children in Australia have stroke each year.
What are the types of stroke?
There are two main types of stroke. Both cause an interruption of blood supply to the brain, which deprives it of oxygen and essential nutrients.
One is caused by a block. The other by a burst.
- Atherosclerosis – Buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the blood vessels that narrow them and make them more prone to clots.
- Embolism – A clot or other material formed elsewhere in the body (often the heart) travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: (pronounced hem-MOR-ajik): This is the type of stroke caused by a burst. This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. It can result from:
- An aneurysm is a weak area in a blood vessel that balloons out and eventually bursts
- A tangle of abnormal blood vessels that rupture.
A third type of stroke is known as a TIA.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA occurs when a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain causes stroke-like symptoms that resolve within a short period, usually within an hour.
As soon as the blood clot is cleared, the blood flows normally and the brain continues functioning the way it should. They cause no permanent damage to walking, speaking, movement, or vision. However, they should be treated by a doctor who will arrange tests and referrals. TIA is a warning sign. A TIA increases the risk of a future stroke, especially within the following days.
How do you Prevent stroke?
Here are key strategies to reduce your risk of stroke:
1. Manage Blood Pressure
- Monitor Regularly: Keep track of your blood pressure at home and during doctor visits.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet low in salt, engage in regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Medication: If prescribed, take antihypertensive medications as directed.
2. Control Cholesterol
- Healthy Diet: Focus on foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Balanced Diet: Eat nutritious foods and avoid excessive calorie intake.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities like walking, swimming, or cycling.
3. Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Regular Monitoring: Keep track of blood sugar levels.
4. Treat Heart Conditions
If you have conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart disease, follow your doctor’s advice and take prescribed medications.
5. Stay Active
Regular visits to your doctor at Narara Valley Medical can help identify and manage risk factors before they lead to a stroke.
Early treatment is vital.
The faster you get treatment, the more brain can be saved.
Be Aware of Stroke Symptoms
Know the Signs: Remember the FAST acronym—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.
- Face – has their mouth dropped?
- Arms – can they lift up both arms?
- Speech – is their speech slurred? Can they understand you?
- Time – speed is critical. Call triple zero if you see any of these signs.
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Treatment for Stroke
Calling an ambulance early is the best way to a positive outcome after a suspected stroke.
Doctors will quickly work out whether it is a stroke and brain scans will be able to show whether it was an ischaemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
The brain scans will see how severe the impact has been on the brain.
Other tests that may be performed might include:
Heart tests such as an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram
Blood tests including your blood’s ability to clot (INR), cholesterol, kidney function, levels of salt, white blood cell count, blood sugar, iron, and inflammatory measures.
These may also be other tests and X-rays. The tests may be different for everyone.
The results will help the doctor work out which medication is best for you. This may include thrombolysis, which is medication to dissolve the clot. It may also include clot retrieval or thrombectomy to capture and pull back the clot. These are not suitable for everyone and must be performed at a stroke unit with specialists.
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Maureen was taken to Wyong Hospital where she received a thrombolysis at the Stroke Unit. She had suffered from an ischaemic stroke, which was treated with an infusion to dissolve the blood clot. Due to the timeliness of Ken’s call to triple zero, and with help and resources from the Stroke Recovery Association, Maureen is making the first steps in her journey. She laughs that she was trying to ask Ken whether he wanted pickles. Further rehabilitation and support will determine whether there is any lasting damage from her stroke, but it’s looking good so far. In the meantime, she’s enjoying the Olympics on TV. Ken’s making lunch now.
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For more information and Services
Stroke Foundation Phone 1800 787 653
Central Coast Stroke Recovery groups
The Central Coast has several stroke recovery groups and they invite everyone affected by stroke including family/carers to attend.
Working Age Group Stroke (WAGS) for 65 years and under
- Women Stroke Survivors
- Men’s Group (Scallywags)
Contact: 0410 444 122
Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Group
Wyong Stroke Support (WYSS Guys)
Contact: 1300 650 594
If you think someone is suffering from a stroke, call triple zero.
Gosford Hospital has a 24-hour thrombolysis service.
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General advice: This information is general in nature and should not be considered medical advice. Call your doctor for specific information that’s right for you. Information is accurate at the time of posting.