Frequent cause of death In a stroke must be acted quickly!

World Day Against Stroke: Immediately act on stroke!

In Germany, more than a quarter of a million people suffer a stroke each year. The stroke is one of the most common causes of death in this country. On the world stroke day on October 29, health experts draw attention to how important fast action is.

One of the most common causes of death in Germany

In Germany, around 270,000 people suffer a stroke each year. This is one of the leading causes of death in Germany. According to experts, many deaths would be avoidable if stroke symptoms were recognized quickly and those affected were treated promptly. The Düsseldorfer health authority wants to raise awareness of the serious illness on the world stroke day on Sunday, October 29 more.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in Germany. On the occasion of the World Heartbreak Day, health experts point out the importance of acting fast in a stroke. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

To act quickly!

"Stroke depends on a quick response. Therefore, it is important to recognize him and to act immediately, "explains Health Department Professor. Andreas Meyer-Falcke in a message.

A timely emergency treatment is particularly important for survival in a cerebral infarction.

If therapy is started within 4.5 hours of a stroke, there is a great chance of recovery. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of a stroke, immediately request an ambulance at 112.

Patients should be stored with their upper bodies elevated, they must not drink and eat as there is a risk of swallowing.

Recognize stroke

A stroke, also called stroke or cerebral infarction, is caused by a "sudden" disruption of the blood supply to the brain and often leads to a prolonged - sometimes short-term - failure of functions of the central nervous system.

Symptoms that may indicate a stroke include visual disturbances in one or both eyes (possible unilateral pupil dilation), visual field loss, double vision, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, balance disorders, numbness, paralysis or weakness in the face, arm, leg or one whole body, confusion, speech or word finding, writing or understanding or orientation disorders.

Occasionally, you may experience severe headaches with no apparent cause, such as derailed blood pressure.

Invite patients to smile

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.

Insecurity, 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.

Prevention is better than cure

At least as important as the fast therapy is the prevention. Existing hypertension must be treated.

Other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation and lipid metabolism disorders must be prevented.

A healthy lifestyle with healthy diet, physical activity, avoidance of obesity, and normal cholesterol levels prevents stroke. Who does not smoke, also reduces the risk of suffering a cerebral infarction.

Depression robs drive to therapy
As the health service Dusseldorf writes, it is not only important in a stroke to treat the physical consequences, also the psychological consequences should be considered, because often these endanger the success of rehabilitation.

The professional world refers to the emotional damage as post-stroke depression (PSD), depression after a stroke. It is estimated that PSD affects at least one third of all stroke patients.

Studies show that women are more susceptible to PSD. Those who are not well embedded in the family or a social network are more vulnerable. And depressive pre-existing conditions also pose a greater risk for PSD.

Neurological rehabilitation is hard work for many, especially the more seriously affected patients. Getting a paralyzed leg to walk or a spastic hand requires a lot of training and patience.

The depression, however, robs those affected of their impulse and leads them to no longer perceive therapies.

Stroke patients with symptoms of depression are therefore strongly advised to seek neurological or neuropsychiatric treatment. The treatment options of a PSD are good today. (Ad)