Stroke How to recognize and prevent a cerebral infarction

Day against the Stroke: Quick help can save lives
Every year, more than a quarter of a million Germans suffer a stroke. This is one of the leading causes of death in Germany. Many of the brain infarcts could be avoided. For the nationwide anti-stroke day, experts point out what prevention can do and how to recognize a stroke.

One of the most common causes of death
"Every year, 270,000 people in Germany suffer a stroke," writes the Foundation German Stroke Help in a message on the occasion of the nationwide day against the stroke on 10 May. Cerebral infarction is one of the most common causes of death in this country. According to experts, many deaths would be avoidable if stroke symptoms were recognized quickly and those affected would be treated promptly. A new video clip is supposed to help.

Every year more than a quarter of a million Germans suffer a stroke. In the acute case, quick help is needed. For this one must first know the symptoms. (Image: Miriam Dörr / 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 nutrients, the more brain cells die. This leads to permanent restrictions. Stroke is considered the most common cause of permanent disability worldwide.

Cerebral infarction is the third most common cause of death in Germany. "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.

The DSG has now become the patron of a project designed to make more people recognize signs of stroke.

Recognize symptoms of stroke
To raise awareness, cartoonist and filmmaker Ralph Ruthe now publishes a video clip. In the short cartoon film, the symptoms of stroke are conveyed in a simple and understandable way.

Among other things, the video clip will be distributed via Spotify, Netflix, Youtube, Facebook and Snapchat and will appeal to young people in particular.

This is particularly significant as scientific research has shown that stroke also affects more and more younger patients.

The film's title, "Smile - Talk - Hands Up", is based on the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test, which allows most strokes to be detected within minutes with almost 100% sensitivity, according to the DSG.

Invite patients to smile
The "F" stands for "Face", because helpers should make those affected smile. If the face is unilaterally paralyzed or warped, this can be an important indication of a stroke.

Next to this, the patient is asked to stretch their arms forward and turn their palms up ("A" for "arms"). If there is a one-sided paralysis, this movement can not be carried out or the arms can not be held in this position.

The "S" for speech (speech) indicates that speech disorders often occur in a stroke. If the affected person suddenly can not articulate correctly, but instead speaks indistinctly, loudly or with long pauses, this can also be an important sign.

"T" means according to the FAST rule "time" and should remind you that 112 is chosen immediately and the symptoms are described in the mentioned warning signals.

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. (Ad)