Can Stroke be Prevented?

Once a stroke has occurred, there is no treatment that can completely reverse the damage caused by it. Therefore the best treatment is prevention. Primary prevention means preventing the first stoke from occurring.

Primary Prevention
1. Control high blood pressure
2. Stop smoking
3. Control diabetes mellitus and high blood cholesterol
4. Treat abnormal heart rhythms, e.g. atrial fibrillation
5. See a doctor when a TIA has occurred
6. Lead a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly and avoiding obesity

Secondary prevention
Secondary prevention means preventing another stroke after the patient has already suffered one or more strokes. This includes all the above measures under primary prevention as well as taking prescribed medications to prevent another stroke.

What Causes Stroke?

A stroke happens when:

1. A blood clot forms in an artery in the brain that is already narrowed by cholesterol deposits.

2. An artery in the brain is blocked by a blood clot, piece of fat or air bubble traveling in the blood from another part of the body.

3. An artery in the brain bursts and bleeds. This may be due to high blood pressure, head injury or a weak artery wall from birth.

4. An artery in the brain is compressed by a tightening of the artery wall or a tumors.

It may be possible to prevent a stroke and its complications if you a see a doctor as soon as you notice any of these warning signs:

1. temporary weakness or numbness occurring suddenly in one arm or leg on one side of the face

2. temporary difficulty in speaking or slurring of speech

3. sudden poor vision or ‘blackout’ in one eye

4. unexplained headaches or a change in the usual headache pattern

5. temporary dizziness or fainting.

You should see a doctor as soon as you suspect a stroke.

What Happens When A Stroke Occurs

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off and the brain cells in that part cannot function. The affected person may have:

1. Weakness or paralysis, usually on one side of the body, often with loss of feeling in the affected areas.

2. Difficulty in speaking or understanding

3. Difficulty in swallowing

4. Loss of concentration and memory

5. Loss of control of passing urine or passing motion

6. Behavior changes such as laughing or crying at the wrong time, feeling depressed or showing bad temper.

If the blood supply is cut off only for a very short time in a small part of the brain, the effects will be mild and temporary. If it is cut off for a long period, the effects will be more severe and longer lasting. In a few cases, a stroke can result in death.

Too Much or Not Enough

Health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke are frequently caused or aggravated by:

Too much salt, not enough potassium

Too much phosphorous, not enough calcium and magnesium

Too much sugar and refined starches, not enough fruits, vegetables, and nuts

Too much sedentary activity, too little exercise

Too much coffee, tea, soda and alcohol, not enough pure water

Too much animal fat in the diet, not enough essential vegetable and dish oils

Too much nicotine and carbon monoxide, not enough fresh air

Too much stress, hustle-bustle and hassle, not enough deep relaxation

Too much anger, bitterness and resentment, not enough forgiveness and tolerance

Too much loneliness, isolation, not enough affection and appreciation

Too much selfishness, not enough sharing and giving

Too much emphasis on pleasure, not enough emphasis on happiness

Too much anxiety, fear and worry, not enough trust and faith