We should know these stroke signs. Many deaths could be avoided

Day against the stroke: recognize the main symptoms
Each year more than a quarter of a million Germans suffer a stroke. This is one of the most common causes of death in this country. In an emergency, it is important to recognize the symptoms and act quickly. Better prevention would prevent many strokes.

Over a quarter of a million strokes a year
In Germany, around 270,000 people suffer a stroke each year. In many cases, the lack of knowledge about the symptoms of cerebral infarction and their importance prevents necessary and timely medical treatment of those affected. For a quick, vital aid, it is important to recognize the symptoms. For nationwide "day against the stroke" health experts to the topic. The German stroke help writes on its website: "More than 130,000 strokes per year could be prevented in Germany, alone by avoidance and control of risk factors. The nationwide "Day Against Stroke" on 10 May 2016 is therefore under the motto "stop the stroke - with emphasis on high pressure!"

Every year more than a quarter of a million Germans suffer a stroke. About half of this could be avoided. In the acute case, quick help is needed. For this one must first know the symptoms. (Image: Miriam Dörr / fotolia.com)

Every second stroke could be prevented
About every second stroke in Germany could have been prevented by preventing risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, lipid metabolism disorders and hypertension. "Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor of stroke. 20 to 30 million people suffer in Germany alone, estimates the German High Pressure League. All of them are at least four times more likely to suffer a stroke. The reason for this is mainly atherosclerosis (vasoconstriction and hardening), a consequence of hypertension, "reports the German Stroke Assistance.

Quick action can save lives
A timely emergency treatment is particularly important for survival in a cerebral infarction. Therefore, it is important to recognize signs of stroke and to act quickly. A cerebral infarction is always an emergency in which the person affected needs to be professionally cared for as quickly as possible and taken to a hospital. Accordingly, it is important that immediately the emergency call is placed under 112. If insecurity, the so-called FAST rule can help to recognize a stroke and to act properly.

Invite patients to smile
The letters FAST stand for "Face, Arms, Speech, Time" (face, arms, language, time). In this test, which is also part of the training of rescue personnel, the affected person is asked to smile. If this only works on one side, it indicates hemiplegia. Furthermore, the person is asked to stretch their arms forward, turning their palms upwards and holding this position for ten seconds. In a paralysis, both arms can not be lifted, they quickly sink or turn inwards. Another possibility is to let the person concerned repeat a simple sentence. If he is unable to, the voice sounds washed out or words and syllables are swallowed, then there is a speech disorder. The last point of the test is time-related and means to call for help immediately on the emergency number 112, if one of the three short tests is suspicious. The FAST test can also be performed with an app (for IOS and Android) that offers the German Stroke Help for free.

Recognize symptoms
Symptoms of a stroke that are easy to recognize include a sudden corner of the mouth, slurred speech, or the inability to speak. In addition, those affected complain of numbness in the arm, leg and facial area, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision or a disturbed motor function of hands or feet, suspicion is close. Often, the symptoms are not associated with a stroke, especially not when headaches fail as a leading symptom. And even if it hits younger patients, it is often not thought of a stroke, as this is more associated with seniors.

Mini-stroke can go almost unnoticed
As the German Stroke Society (DSG) reports, even the "mini-stroke" is an emergency. This can go almost unnoticed. "A temporary paralysis, speech or vision disorder, the so-called transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a possible harbinger of a major stroke," say the experts. A TIA is a circulatory disorder in the brain. The symptoms are similar to those of a stroke, but usually return within one to two hours. According to statistics, one in ten sufferers who notice such signs will suffer a stroke in the next few days. (Ad)