Today October 29, 2018 is World Stroke Day
World Stroke Day sponsored by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) seeks to improve care and support for stroke survivors and raise awareness of prevention and treatment of stroke all over the world. This year it falls today, October 29.
Life after Stroke
The message of this year’s World Stroke Day is that it is possible to get up again after a stroke. Events are being held worldwide today to get this message across to stroke survivors, their caregivers and the public that there is life after a stroke and even though the rehabilitation may take a lot of time and patience, it is possible to get up again after a stroke.
Mount Sinai Hospital, New York – World Stroke Day-Community Outreach and Celebration of Stroke Survivors
In the New York area today, Mount Sinai Hospital, 1468 Madison Ave., Guggenheim Pavilion, NYC is offering free blood pressure and cholesterol screening, explanations of stroke risk factors by nurses and doctors, a chance to tour their inflatable brain to see which parts can be affected by a stroke and a chance to watch performances by a dance team made up of stroke survivors. For more information phone Ms. Tara Roche: 917-685-3858
Stroke Leading Worldwide Cause of Death and Disability
Stroke is a leading worldwide cause of death and disability. It is estimated that over 80 million people in the world have suffered a stroke and there are also about 50 million stroke survivors, many of whom have been left with disabilities or movement, speech or cognitive impairments, plus significant psychological, social and financial problems. According to the World Stroke Organization, the cost worldwide for circulatory diseases including stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes was $957 billion US dollars and is projected to rise over the next 12 years to $1044 billion US dollars.
Simple Steps can Prevent Strokes
The sad thing, according to Professor Michael Brainin, the president of the World Stroke Organization, is that 80% of strokes can be prevented by managing high blood pressure, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, getting enough physical exercise and eating a healthy diet. Also, these same steps for preventing strokes can also help to prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and other illnesses.
Stroke Treatment and Care
Early Recognition is Crucial
If you think someone is having a stroke get help immediately. Phone 911.
Signs of a Stroke
- One side of the face is drooping.
- One arm is weak and cannot be raised.
- The person may be unable to speak or speech is slurred or jumbled.
Specialized Stroke Unit
The best chance for recovery for an ischaemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke is in a specialized stroke unit with a highly skilled team.
Clot Retrieval Treatment
Clot retrieval treatment (mechanical thrombectomy) is a special way of removing a blood clot and this can improve the chance for survival and may also reduce disability in an ischemic stroke caused by a clot blocking a large artery. Read more about life-saving clot retrieval in our blog post from July 27, 2018.
Stroke Rehabilitation
The sooner stroke rehabilitation is initiated the better the chance to regain function. Research has shown that people who start stroke rehabilitation as soon as possible while they are still in the hospital have the best chances for recovery.
Medical Treatments to Prevent another Stroke
Depending on the kind of stroke, various medical treatments may be given such as blood pressure lowering medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, antiplatelet drugs, surgery to correct narrowing of the carotid artery and anticoagulant drugs for atrial fibrillation.
Lifestyle Changes
The same lifestyle guidelines for preventing strokes listed above can also be used to prevent another stroke such as quitting smoking, limiting alcoholic consumption, managing stress, eating a good nutritious diet and getting enough physical exercise.
Post Stroke Care
Post stroke rehabilitation is crucial and must be continued after the discharge from the hospital. This may involve going to a short-term rehab center such as the Ditmas Park Rehab and Care Center in Brooklyn, New York. Ditmas Park offers excellent post stroke care with an expert team that includes integrative therapies such as occupational, physical, speech, vestibular and cognitive therapies as well as music and pet therapy.
Brooklyn Hospitals near Ditmas Park Rehab and Care Center
New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn (formerly named NYU Lutheran Medical Center)
SUNY Downstate Medical Center – University Hospital of Brooklyn
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
Conclusion
Learning to prevent a stroke is imperative and it is best not to wait until you experience a stroke to begin living a proper healthy lifestyle and seeking medical help.
