Recognize a stroke in time and act quickly!

In a stroke must be acted on as quickly as possible

According to health experts, more than a quarter of a million Germans suffer a stroke each year. Cerebral infarction is one of the most common causes of death in this country. To the nationwide day against the stroke is pointed out how to recognize a stroke, what to do in an emergency and how to prevent it.

Many deaths could be avoided

Every year, more than a quarter of a million Germans suffer a stroke. This is one of the most common causes of death in Germany. According to experts, many deaths would be preventable if stroke symptoms are recognized quickly and those affected are treated promptly. On the occasion of the nationwide day against the stroke on May 10, health experts will inform about how to recognize a stroke and what to do in an emergency.

On the day against the stroke, health experts are alerting them to how to recognize a stroke, what to do in an emergency and how to prevent it. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

Quick action can save lives

In a stroke, quick action is vital. Because the longer the brain is not sufficiently supplied with oxygen and blood, the more brain cells die.

This leads to permanent restrictions. Stroke is considered the most common cause of permanent disability worldwide.

According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), it is estimated that around 1.8 million people over the age of 18 had a stroke in their country.

"But despite numerous educational activities, many do not know the most important symptoms," said Professor Dr. med. med. Wolf Schäbitz, press spokesman of the German Stroke Society (DSG) in a statement.

Under the slogan "Stroke can hit anyone!", The day against the stroke is alerted to the possible signs of a stroke.

Poor supply of blood and oxygen

In a stroke, certain areas of the brain are poorly supplied with blood and oxygen - usually due to a vascular occlusion (ischemic stroke).

In rarer cases as a result of cerebral hemorrhage (haemorrhagic stroke). Then brain cells begin to die and brain functions are suddenly disturbed or fail altogether.

According to medical experts arteriosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) is the main cause of vascular occlusion, so a gradual calcification of cervical or cerebral veins.

But blood clots that enter the brain can also close a vessel and thus restrict the supply of blood and oxygen.

In hemorrhagic stroke, small arteries burst in the brain, often as a result of hypertension.

Recognize a stroke

The symptoms of a stroke depend on which area of ​​the brain is affected and how severe the brain infarct is.

A hanging corner of the mouth can be an indication. In addition, paralysis and numbness in the legs, arms or face can occur - usually in one half of the body.

Furthermore, speech, sight and balance disorders as well as severe headache can be evidence of a cerebral infarction.

Invite patients to smile

The so-called FAST Rule can help to recognize a stroke and to act properly. The letters FAST stand for "Face, Arms, Speech, Time" (face, arms, language, time).

In this test, the affected person is asked to smile. If this only works on one side, it indicates hemiplegia.

In addition, the patient is asked to extend 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). More information can be found on the website of the German Stroke Foundation.

Every minute counts

In an emergency, every minute counts! Dead brain cells can not recover. The less time between the first symptoms and the medical treatment, the better the prognosis.

"Patients who suffer a stroke need to be treated quickly, especially by specialists. Germany is one of the countries in which the acute care for strokes is very well secured, "wrote the Foundation German stroke aid in a statement.

In the meantime, more and more patients in Germany are being treated in specialized hospital departments - so-called stroke units.

Nevertheless, permanent damage such as paralysis or speech disorders are common. In addition, there is an increased risk of another stroke for those affected. The mortality after a stroke has fallen in recent years, however.

Important rules to avoid a stroke

At least as important as the fast therapy is the prevention. For this, health experts have summarized the most important rules:

Existing hypertension must be treated. Other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, lipid metabolism disorders and high cholesterol must be prevented.

Obesity should be avoided as well as stress. Recommended is regular exercise and healthy, balanced diet.

Alcohol should be consumed only rarely and in small quantities. Smoking is not recommended.

Existing cardiac arrhythmias should be treated medically if necessary.

Special risk factors in women

Most people who have a stroke are over 60 years old. But it also affects more and more younger patients.

According to the German Stroke Society (DSG), 55 percent of those affected are women. They have special risk factors.

For example, if you take birth control pills. "The risk has been reduced with the newer drugs, which contain less estrogen, but it still remains elevated," said Professor Dr. med. Armin Grau, 1st Chairman of the DSG.

The risk is also increased when women suffer from pregnancy preeclampsia and typical risk factors such as overweight and high blood pressure are added.

Women with diabetes are a particular risk group: their disease risk is 27 percent higher than men with diabetes, and the severity of stroke is much more pronounced in diabetic women. (Ad)