Stroke

Paralysis or numbness ( lack of sensation ) on one side of the body ..... pick up the major hospital as soon as possible.
             Think of the brain immediately, is the advice of consultant neurologist Dr. Padma Gunaratne  not only for those who  suspect that they may  have  suffered a stroke but also to loved ones who may notice something different .
                              One in six  is the theme of the world Stroke Organization, Dr.Gunaratne,  President of the collage of Physicians and President  of  the National  Stroke of Sri lanka. is  quick to point out  which means that one in every six persons develops a stroke.

The other signs  and  symptoms of a stoke are :

A speech disturbance

Slurring when talking or a problem with a language which may be manifested in the form an inability to recognize what   someone is saying or being  unable to express oneself

Vision Impairment

Either in one eye or loss of half of the visual  field or  having double vision. Usually when looking straight  the visual field is 180 degrees

Development giddiness such as in a vertigo attack : -  Difficulty in swallowing 

                                                                                       - Difficulty in walking and acquiring a drunken gait 

                                                                                       - Inability to control the passing of urine and faeces

                                Early  identification is important because stroke is one of the most devastating medical conditions which can leave a person crippled for life, stresses Dr. Gunaratne pointing out  that it is second leading cause of death , next to  cardio-vascular disease , among those who are over 50  years old.

                            Explaining that the majority of strokes are  preventable, this Neurologist who has been campaigning for  the setting up of  dedicated stroke units in major  hospitals to provide  maximum all round care for  stroke victims under  a muti-disciplinary team states categorically that " strokes are curable"

The multi - disciplinary team which will  get into  action not only to  cure the stroke  victim but also rehabilitate him will comprise doctors, nurses, physiotherapists,occupational therapist, speech therapist, counselors and social workers.

                               There is a lot that can be done if you bring the  stroke  victim to  a major hospital  immediately, MediScene  understands.

Another warning that she  delivers is don't ignore the symptoms if they pass within 24 hours because a Transient Ischaemic Attack ( TIA) could very well be  a precursor for a stroke.

A stroke is caused  by diseased blood vessels  rather than a disease of brain, says Dr. Gunaratne , explaining that the brain , like every other part of the body needs a good blood supply function. With age , however , the blood vessels become  thicker  with fat and cholesterol being deposited on them and ulceration occuring

                                                          THE VITAL SIX

Six important points to remember in the prevention and cure of  strokes are :

1. Avoid smoking

2. Eat a healthy diet

3. Do exercises 

4. Limit alcohol

5. Be aware of your risks factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes

6. Be familiar with the  symptoms of stroke and seek medical dealing with the risk factors,  Dr. Gunaratne says they include high  blood pressure , smoking , diabetes, high-cholesterol , being over weight , lack of exercise ,  having a heart attack and a previous stroke. The minor risks factors  are stress and for women the use of contraceptive pills.