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Understanding the Warning Signs: Early Detection and Prevention of Stroke
INS LifeGuard • Nov 27, 2023
Every year, strokes affect millions of lives worldwide, causing long-term disabilities and, in severe cases, proving fatal. Among the different types of strokes, ischemic stroke stands as the most prevalent, make up about 87% of all stroke cases.
In Australia, an estimated 387,000 individuals aged 15 and older had experienced a stroke by 2018. By 2020, around 39,500 stroke incidents occurred, averaging more than 100 daily. The occurrence of stroke was higher in males compared to females, adjusting for population age differences. It's most prevalent in older age groups; about 71% of stroke patients were 65 or older. Among those aged 85 and above, the proportion was nearly three times higher than in the 65-74 age group.
In this blog, we will delve deeper into the types of strokes, risk factors, and preventive measures. We'll discuss the importance of recognising the warning signs and the urgency of seeking medical assistance.
What is Stroke?
A stroke occurs when there's a disruption in the blood supply to the brain. This interruption can be due to a blood clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel rupturing and causing bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
Regardless of the type, strokes can cause brain damage, affecting various bodily functions like movement, speech, and memory, depending on the area of the brain affected. Immediate medical attention is crucial to minimise damage and improve chances of recovery.
There are generally three main types of stroke. Each type of stroke has different causes, risk factors, and treatment approaches.
| Types of Stroke | Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ischemic Stroke | Ischemic strokes occur when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed or blocked, resulting in reduced blood flow to a specific area of the brain. This blockage could happen due to various reasons, such as blood clots or plaque buildup in the arteries. | Blood clot formation due to: • Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) • Embolism (clot formed elsewhere travelling to the brain) • Thrombosis (clot forming in a blood vessel in the brain) | • High blood pressure • Diabetes • High cholesterol levels • Smoking • Obesity • Family history of strokes • Age (risk increases with age) | • Clot-busting medication (thrombolytics) • Mechanical thrombectomy (surgical removal of clots) Long-term: • Medications to prevent clots • Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking) • Physical therapy for rehabilitation and recovery |
| Hemorrhagic Stroke | Occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding | High blood pressure, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations | Hypertension, age (older adults), smoking, excessive alcohol | • Emergency: Control bleeding, surgery to repair the vessel • Medications to lower blood pressure, rehabilitation therapies • Address underlying conditions to prevent future occurrences |
| Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke | Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a temporary disruption in blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms. | • Blood clot or plaque buildup in blood vessels • Atherosclerosis • Cardiac conditions (like atrial fibrillation) | • Hypertension • Diabetes • Smoking • High cholesterol • Obesity • Age (older than 55) | • Immediate medical attention is crucial • Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications • Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) to manage risk factors • Surgery or stenting for severe blockages or clots |
How the Brain Reacts from a Stroke
The brain relies on a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered through blood vessels. When a stroke occurs, this supply is interrupted, either by a blockage or bleeding. The affected part of the brain is then deprived of the essential resources it needs to function properly.
During the early moments of a stroke, neurons in the affected area may experience immediate damage. However, the full extent of the injury may unfold gradually in the hours and days following the event. This delayed progression provides a window of opportunity for medical intervention to minimise the damage and improve outcomes.
In response to a stroke, the brain initiates protective mechanisms. It may reroute blood flow through alternative pathways, a phenomenon known as collateral circulation, to salvage endangered neurons. Additionally, the brain may release chemicals that promote cell survival and repair damaged tissues.
How Stroke Symptoms Differ in Men and Women
While many stroke symptoms are similar between men and women, there can be some differences in how they manifest. Some common symptoms include:
Men may experience:
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Trouble with vision, such as blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
- Trouble walking or loss of coordination
Women may experience:
- Sudden face and limb pain
- Sudden hiccups
- Sudden nausea or vomiting
- Sudden shortness of breath or palpitations
- General weakness
- Sudden chest pain or palpitations
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary widely between individuals, and not everyone will experience the same signs. Additionally, symptoms in women can be subtler or different from the stereotypical symptoms often associated with stroke.
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, regardless of gender, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Importance of Acting Quickly
Quick intervention is critical to minimise damage and improve the chances of recovery. Recognising the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical attention can make a significant difference.
If you suspect someone is experiencing a stroke, it's crucial to act quickly. Remember the acronym FAST:
Speech
Have them repeat a simple phrase. Look for slurred speech or difficulty in repeating the phrase.
While waiting for help:
Stay with them: Keep the person calm and reassure them that help is on the way.
Note the time: This can be crucial information for medical professionals.
Do NOT give them anything to eat or drink: Sometimes, a stroke can affect swallowing, and giving food or drink could cause choking.
Loosen tight clothing: This helps with comfort and to ensure easy breathing.
Remember, acting swiftly can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome for someone experiencing a stroke.
Stroke Causes and Early Warning Signs
Regardless of age, strokes can profoundly impact mobility, speech, cognition, and more, depending on the extent and location of brain damage. Preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, with over 80% of cases being preventable.
Personal Alarm and TeleHealth Medical Devices
For individuals living alone or those at risk of strokes, INS LifeGuard’s personal alarm system provides a sense of security and independence. They know that help is just a button press away if they experience any symptoms. It also includes a fall detection feature that can alert our emergency response team or their carers automatically.
Whether it's tracking blood pressure, blood sugar levels, pulse, or other key measurements, our range of TeleHealth products offers seamless monitoring for individuals with medical needs.
Opt for our TeleHealth service and effortlessly record vital signs, which can be automatically monitored by family members or caregivers. For a professional touch, entrust our registered nurses at INS LifeGuard to oversee and manage the data. We maintain comprehensive electronic patient records, encompassing medical details, prescribed medications, and allergies. With your consent, we can seamlessly share outcomes with your regular GP or specialist.
| TeleHealth Product | Features |
|---|---|
| Blood Pressure Monitor | Comfort inflation technology, irregular heartbeat detection, automated averaging function, automatic Bluetooth data transmission to LifeGuard SmartHome |
| SpO2 Pulse Oximeter (Fingertip) | Consistently accurate oximetry readings, ideal for home use, durable |
| SpO2 Pulse Oximeter (Hand-Held) | Measures oxygen saturation, pulse rate, IPX2 water resistance, shock resistance, alarm warning |
| Blood Glucose Monitor (BSL) Kit | Integrated Bluetooth-enabled, rapid testing (3 seconds or less), smallest blood sample size (0.3µL), automatic coding of test strips |
| Ear and Forehead Thermometer | Two-colour backlight screen, fever range warning, optional sanitary probe covers for ear use |
| Weight Scale | Measures weight and BMI, low-battery indicator, maximum capacity of 180kg, measures in kilograms, stones, and pounds |
We also provide FREE chat line for anyone experiencing loneliness or social isolation due to the effects of stroke or other medical conditions. A dedicated INS nurse is available 24/7 providing reassurance or a friendly conversation.
Life After a Stroke
Life can dramatically change after experiencing a stroke. The recovery journey is often a winding path, unique to each individual. In the initial phase, hospitalisation and rehabilitation become important. The recovery process typically spans several stages, starting with acute care and transitioning to post-acute rehabilitation. Initially, regaining mobility and relearning basic skills are the primary goals. However, progress can continue well beyond the first year, with rehabilitation efforts aimed at maximising recovery potential.
The aftermath of a stroke can present a multitude of challenges, both physical and emotional. Physical challenges might manifest as difficulties in movement, speech, or coordination. The emotional toll can be equally daunting, encompassing feelings of frustration, depression, and anxiety. Coping with these changes requires immense resilience and support. Patience becomes a steadfast companion as individuals navigate through the ups and downs of their recovery journey.
Final Thoughts
Stroke is a serious medical condition that can have life-altering consequences. Understanding the types, symptoms, and importance of acting quickly can contribute to better outcomes for individuals affected by stroke.
Moreover, it's essential to foster a community and healthcare system that responds promptly to individuals experiencing stroke symptoms. Accessible emergency medical services and well-informed healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in delivering timely care and treatment.
About
INS LifeGuard is the only 24/7 nurse on-call personal and medical monitoring in Australia. We provide monitoring technology for both in the home and on the go and can also monitor other provider's equipment. Our services are suitable for anyone wanting support to stay independent such as the elderly, those with medical conditions and disabilities plus enhancing safety and security for lone workers.
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