To recognize a stroke in time and act quickly

Recognizing a stroke in time can save lives

Usually it comes suddenly and with life-threatening effects: the stroke. In Germany alone, according to the latest study, around 260,000 people a year suffer from a so-called stroke, termed Apoplex. "This acute circulatory disorder of the brain causes dying of important cells, so that sufferers often carry permanent damage and even die in the worst case," explains Dr. med. med. Andree Boldt, Specialist for Radiology of radprax Solingen. To counteract this disease as possible, a fast and professional diagnosis is crucial. On the first signs concerned should pay attention and what the treatment steps look, explains the expert below.

contents

• Recognizing a stroke in time can save lives
• Symptoms: Stroke taking precursors seriously
• Stroke Unit: Special station for stroke patients
• Rehabilitation: the way back to everyday life
• Stroke Quick Test FAST

Symptoms: Stroke taking precursors seriously

Depending on the affected brain area and the severity of the stroke, it can cause very different symptoms. "While in some people, one corner of the mouth hangs slightly, other speech disorders occur, or there is a half-sided paralysis and numbness in the arms or legs," says the expert. In addition, massive headache and sudden onset of severe dizziness are among the possible signs.

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)

Clogged blood vessels due to a clot as well as vascular calcifications, known in the art as arteriosclerosis, are considered the main cause of these conditions. As a result, some brain areas may no longer perform their tasks either temporarily or permanently. And even in the event that these symptoms disappear after a short time, sufferers should seek immediate medical attention. Because often these are so-called "harbingers", which point to a later onset of stroke.

Stroke Unit: Special station for stroke patients

In order to preserve the life of the patient and to protect important brain functions, every second counts for an apoplex. In particular so-called stroke units, ie hospital departments specialized in stroke, have all the necessary medical specialists as well as diagnostic methods to provide patients with the necessary medical measures.

"With the help of imaging techniques, such as computed tomography, CT for short, and magnetic resonance imaging, MRT for short, the doctor can, for example, distinguish whether the stroke was caused by a hemorrhage or a vascular occlusion. In addition, experts recognize which parts of the brain are affected and how severe the damage is, "explains the specialist.

Rehabilitation: the way back to everyday life

An acute treatment initially consists of the fastest possible restoration of the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. For example, in the case of a cerebral infarction due to a blood clot, for example, clot-releasing drugs are used. Further measures depend on the type of stroke and any complications. In addition, the timely initiation of appropriate treatment steps is crucial for successful therapy. These include, for example, physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as speech therapy.

"These programs help to improve the symptoms of paralysis or malpractice caused or to resolve speech disorders through certain exercises," says Dr. Boldt and further emphasizes: "By means of targeted measures, healthy brain parts can take over the function of the sick, so that those affected can cope as independently as possible in everyday life." Even if an apoplexy means a severe life incision, the brain has good regeneration abilities, which can be combined by combining different therapies can be strengthened.

Stroke Quick Test FAST

The abbreviation stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time.

Q: Ask the person concerned to smile.
A: Affected person should lift both arms at the same time.
S: Have the person concerned repeat a simple sentence.
T: If the person concerned has problems with these tasks, every minute counts. Call 112 immediately and describe symptoms!