Strokes are a major health problem and each year over 150,000 people in England have a stroke. However, strokes can be successfully treated and also prevented. As outlined by medical experts at NHS Choices, eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking will dramatically reduce your risk of having a stroke. Lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels with medication also lowers the risk of stroke substantially.

So what is a stroke? A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die which as a result can lead to severe consequences. We know that strokes are a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen. The recent ‘Act FAST’ government campaign has already raised awareness and saved lives.

The word FAST, which stands for Face-Arms-Speech-Time, can help you remember the main stroke symptoms:

Face: the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile or their mouth or eye may have drooped

Arms: the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift one or both arms and keep them there because of arm weakness or numbness

Speech: their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake

Time: it is time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

Strokes can be treated using a combination of medicines and, in some cases, surgery. However, many people will require a long period of rehabilitation after a stroke and not all will recover fully. Even though people who are over 65 years of age are most at risk from having strokes, 25 per cent of strokes occur in people who are under 65. The severity of a stroke can range from minimal to severe and having the knowledge to help prevent it, as well as treat it, can and will saves lives.

Learning from the experiences of those who have been affected by stroke can help you manage your lifestyle and ensure you are prepared to help yourself as well as anyone who may suffer as a result of this condition.  NHS Choices has a number of patients who have spoken out about their experience in the hope of providing help and support to others. There is also an online forum where you can ask further questions and gain advice not only from those who have been through similar but from medical experts.

http://www.nhs.uk Click here to access more useful information