Striking back at stroke

In Australia someone has a stroke about every 11 minutes. Stroke affects around 48 000 Australians each year, but research suggests that most people are not aware of the risk factors, and very few (only around 30 per cent) recognise the symptoms when they are having a stroke. So when they or someone close to them suffer a stroke people are not at all prepared.

There is good reason for people to be aware if they are in a high risk category, and to take immediate action if they think they may be having a stroke. Recognising the signs and symptoms of stroke is essential for getting people to hospital early – and with stroke time to treatment affects recovery and the level of disability a person may be left with. If a stroke is recognised and diagnosed early, this will help reduce the stroke-related disability seen in some patients.

So, what are the signs and symptoms of stroke? Stroke can take many forms, but be particularly alert for any of the following:

• Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
• Slurred speech or difficulty understanding what someone is saying
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or an unexplained fall
• Loss of vision, sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache
• Difficulty swallowing.

Stroke is always a medical emergency. It is important to recognise the early signs of a stroke or TIA. If you experience any of these signs call 000 even if the symptoms last for only a short time.

Preventing stroke

There are number of factors that may increase your risk of stroke which you can control and so help reduce the chances of your having a stroke. Keep your blood pressure low, quit smoking, be sure to take your medication as prescribed, eat a healthy diet, and be physically active. Your overall lifestyle, including diet and exercise, will assist in maintaining your cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and weight – which can all be contributing risk factors for stroke if they are out of control.

Your diet should be low in saturated fat and salt. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables is recommended and you should avoid processed or canned foods as they can be high in salt. It is always a good idea to check the sodium content on the list of ingredients on the label; it is recommended that low salt foods contain levels of less than 120mg/100g.

A healthy balance between exercise and food intake is important; this will also help to maintain a healthy body weight. People who participate in moderate activity are less likely to have a stroke. Try to build up to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program as people with high blood pressure should avoid some types of exercises. And then talk to your physio who can help you plan an exercise program that is right for you.

Physio can help

Nearly all patients are disabled to some degree immediately following a stroke. There may be paralysis of one side of the body, speech or swallowing difficulties, problems with memory, personality changes, or a range of other difficulties. It is now known that early treatment increases the chances of recovery, and that recovery can continue over several years.

If you have a stroke a physiotherapist will be an important member of the team that assesses and assists you begin to manage problems while you are in hospital. A physio will help with gait retraining if you have balance problems and difficulty in walking, and will take precautions to ensure that you do not fall while recovering. Physiotherapy may also be necessary to help maintain muscle tone and ensure that you are in the best possible shape to make a recovery.

Many post-stroke problems can be improved. Rehabilitation services can improve mobility, physical independence and social relationships by providing mobility and communication aids and modifying the environment. And physiotherapists play an important role in these services.

Once you return home it is a good idea to consult a physiotherapist who can discuss your problems with the team that has been working with you, and help you to work on an exercise program designed to maximise your strength and balance and mobility. Your physio may have specialised equipment to aid the exercise program and continue your recovery.

Ask your physiotherapist for a copy of the APA Information Card on stroke, or download the facts sheets from the National Stroke Foundation (www.strokefoundation.com.au). And try to ensure that all your family members are aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke. Lives can be saved with early diagnosis and treatment.