Singapore National Stroke Association

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your questions are answered by a panel of medical professionals on stroke prevention and adminstration.

Some commonly asked questions about stroke :

1.What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted because of disease of the brain blood vessel. This interruption leads to damage and death of those brain cells supplied by these brain blood vessels. The part of the body controlled by these brain cells then will not function normally, resulting in the symptoms of stroke.

2. What are the types of stroke?

Stroke is basically of 2 types. Stroke may occur because of a blockage of brain blood vessels (75% of cases), or bursting of brain vessels (25% of cases). These brain blood vessels are called "arteries".

3. Can you tell me more about stroke caused by arteries bursting?

This is a less common cause of stroke. Arteries may burst within the brain substance (intraparenchymal hemorrhage), or less commonly, into the space around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage). The chances of death are higher in this kind of stroke.

4. Can you tell me more about stroke caused by arteries getting blocked?

This is the more common type of stroke. Arteries may get blocked because they are damaged by age or a number of diseases. A blood clot can then form on these damaged arteries, and block it off. Sometimes, a blood clot can escape from one artery and run off to block another artery; sometimes, a blood clot can escape from the heart and run off to block an artery.

5. What are the symptoms of stroke?

The symptoms are usually sudden, or may be noticed after getting up from sleep. They include weakness or numbness of one side of the body, slurring of speech, double vision, severe giddiness with any of these already mentioned symptoms, the worst headache in one's life, drowsiness, coma.

6. What should I do if I get stroke symptoms?

Seek medical attention immediately. Rush to the nearest hospital.

7. What are the chances of recovery after a stroke?

Studies suggest that up to one third recover fully, one third have partial recovery, one third do not recover at all. About 10 to 20% die shortly after the stroke. Recovery is a slow process. Most of the recovery occurs in the first 3 to 6 months, but recovery may continue for up to 2 years.

8. What are the chances of the stroke coming back?

The risk is about 5 to 10% per year.

9. What are the illnesses that increase my risk of stroke?

These illnesses include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, certain irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation).

10. What can I do to reduce my chance of the first stroke, or another stroke after the first?

There is a lot that you can do. Stop smoking. Go for regular medical checkups to look for high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, certain irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation). Take your medications for these illnesses if given to you by your doctor. If you are given medications to reduce the risk of a second stroke, please take them regularly. Eat healthy foods. Exercise regularly. Lead a healthy lifestyle.

 

The views and opinions given are those of the individuals and are published for general information in good faith. If you have a serious medical problem, you are advised to consult your family doctor.

Please send in your questions to :

The Secretary
Singapore National Stroke Association
26 Dunearn Road
Singapore 309423

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