First National Stroke Week

This week is Ireland’s first national stroke week initiated by The Irish Heart Foundation.

1 in 5 people are likely to suffer stroke at some point in their lives. While most stroke victims are over 65, stroke can strike at any time.

It is important to be able to spot the early warning signs and act as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence when attending to stroke victims.

Act FAST

A simple test can help you recognise if someone has had a stroke:

·         Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

·         Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?

·         Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

·         Time to call 999 for an ambulance if you spot any one of these signs.

Stroke symptoms include:

• Numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body

• Slurred speech, difficulty thinking of words or understanding other people

• Confusion

• Sudden blurred vision or sight loss

• Being unsteady on your feet

• Severe headache

What is stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted because a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts open.

If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing permanent damage.

A transient ischemic stroke may also occur whereby blood supply is cut off briefly, sometimes for a few minutes. The person may not be aware that they have had a stroke however a TIA (transient ischemic attack) is a warning that there is a risk of full blown stroke or more TIA’s.

Stroke can result in death, paralysis, difficulties communicating, loss of intellectual or thinking ability, loss of vision and emotional changes.

Many people believe stress to be a factor in strokes however this is not the case. Risk factors do include high blood pressure, heavy drinking, recreational drug use, smoking, diabetes and high cholesterol. Age, race and family history all have a role to play but for the most part you can reduce the risk of stroke through managing your health correctly.

For further information on strokes and a full list of events around the country this week please visit www.stroke.ie