World Stroke Day is observed every year on October 29, to create responsiveness among the general public, about the unpredictability of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and the widespread occurrence of this dangerous health anomaly. This global health event aims to inculcate awareness about the alarming increase in the incidence of strokes, as well as its causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention measures.
Also Read: Stroke/Cerebrovascular Accident: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
A worldwide wellness campaign currently celebrating its 15th year, World Stroke Day was inaugurated in the year 2006, by the World Stroke Organization (WSO), with the severe malaise of stroke being declared as a public health emergency in the year 2010. Defined as the sudden termination of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, a stroke results in rapid damage of nerve cells and a significant decline in cognition, memory. The theme for World Stroke Day 2020 is “Join The Movement”, highlighting the fact that #1in4 adults across the world are at risk of developing a stroke at least once in their lives. And yet, engaging in regular physical activity and exercise can vastly lower the chances of being affected by this grave neurological condition.
No doubt, adhering to a healthy lifestyle comprising a balanced diet, daily workouts, proper sleep and avoiding drinking, smoking does indeed remarkably make people less prone to acquiring a stroke. Nevertheless, current statistics indicate that stroke is the foremost cause of disability globally and the second most common reason for the loss of life, which can occur to literally anyone, at any age, location or time. It is, hence, very important to know what steps to take when a person experiences a sudden episode of stroke and how to provide accurate emergency care, to ensure their complete recovery and avert serious complications, fatalities. Foray through this article, for a comprehensive review on the first aid protocol for stroke, to guarantee immediate medical treatment for the affected person and restore brain functions.
Key Steps In Properly Managing A Stroke Crisis:
Identify Warning Signs
Check for any danger signals in the person, utilizing the universal accepted medical standard – the FAST acronym, that stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Distinguishing features comprise numbness, drooping of the face on one side, weakness, tingling in one arm compared to the other, confused, vague, incoherent speech patterns. If any one or more of these occur in the individual, it is time to call for emergency medical help right away.
Also Read: Strokes Are Treatable: Timing and Correct Diagnosis Are The Key
Additional Indicative Symptoms
People suffering from an abrupt stroke attack also tend to exhibit abdominal pain, as well as uncontrolled bladder motions and bowel movements. Besides, they display hazy vision, dimness in one eye, pounding headaches, dizzy sensations and vertigo. Nausea, prominent tingling sensation, feebleness on one entire side of the body, accompanied by a total loss of awareness, system balance and consciousness also develop in the affected person during a stroke.
First Aid Techniques
Contact the local emergency healthcare provider soon after witnessing a person demonstrating stroke symptoms. As the caregiver to the person afflicted by a stroke, keep in mind to remain calm and collected until professional medical help arrives. If the individual faces breathing distress, give them CPR, to revive lung functions. Ensure to keep the affected person lying down on one side in a comfortable position, with the head slightly elevated propped up by stable support.
Underlying Ailment Triggers
Chances of injury to the brain and ceasing of blood supply with oxygen, nutrients are vastly increased, in people with chronic conditions of diabetes and hypertension. Raised blood sugar levels and extremely high blood pressure often develop in those who have obesity i.e. very large body mass, which in turn wound the blood vessel passages. Unhealthy lifestyle habits of smoking, alcohol consumption and severe cardiac ailments like arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation in certain people also raise their risk of stroke.
Optimal Recovery Measures
Once the pressing signs of stroke are treated and the affected patient has been discharged from intensive care in the hospital, it is the responsibility of the caregiver to assist in their holistic healing. Safeguard the affected individual from any sudden accidents at home and give them their medications on time. Work alongside the stroke victim to improve their motor skills, augment their muscle flexibility, pacify stress, tension and promote their range of motion, to uplift their overall health.
