What is stroke?

Stroke is a term used to describe damage to part of the brain. It occurs when the arteries of the brain become "blocked" or "burst", depriving the brain cells of nutrients and oxygen.

What causes it?

The most common risk factors for stroke are:

• Smoking
  
• High blood pressure
• Excessive alcohol intake
  
• Obesity
  
• Stress
• Drug abuse e.g. cocaine

Other medical associated conditions include:

• Congenital brain arterial aneurysms and abnormalities
  
• Heart and blood vessel diseases
• Diabetes mellitus

What are the complications?

The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain and to what extent the brain has been damaged. Stroke can be fatal, or causes permanent disability such as paralysis.

How can I prevent it?

You can lower your risk of having a stroke by keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy by:

• No smoking.
• Control your blood pressure with regular checking every couple of years at least.
  
• Eat a healthy and low fat diet, and reduce your salt intake.
  
• Moderate your alcohol intake.
• Do suitable exercise regularly.
  
• Control your weight.
• Get adequate rest and avoid stress.

Stroke can be treated by medication/surgery along with lifestyle changes and a range of therapies from experts such as nurses, physiotherapist, speech therapist and occupational therapist. The choice of an appropriate treatment is based on the severity of the symptoms, the extent to which they affect the patient's life, and the presence of any other medical conditions.

How can I help myself?

To yield satisfactory results from the rehabilitation program after a stroke, it is important to comply with the instructions and visit your doctor and the therapists regularly and have your condition monitored. You have to take the medication as prescribed. Never stop taking them on your own.

If you have any suspicions, you should seek medical advice.