Facts of Stroke & The Warning Signs

Vivienne has already graciously introduced me in an earlier post so I’ll just briefly summarize and say that I am a retiree and a full-time home caregiver to my wife, Rock, who is a stroke survivor. It is now 2 years since her stroke and through this chronologically short period (but eternally long for Rock), I have read up quite a bit on the subject of Stroke warning signs, Rehab, Caregiving, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy in relation to Stroke. Having personally experienced this, it is our pleasure to share our personal experience as an encouragement for those who are going through similar experiences, as well as a sense of duty to inform others on this extremely damaging medical condition – on how to avoid it and if it is too late, how not to succumb to the after-effects of a Stroke. This applies to both the survivor and the caregiver.

To start off, I’ll share an overview of this thing called “Stroke” and its impact on a broader perspective. Stroke costs Governments all over the World a big hefty financial bill. In the US, it was $50 Billion a year and 60% goes into hospitalization, medical equipment and rehabilitation. In addition, lost of productivity because stroke survivors cannot return to their jobs accounts for the remaining $20 Billion!

It was reported that in US, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and about 700,00 cases of stroke and recurring stroke happens every year. Stroke affects one in every five persons during their lifetimes. After heart disease, and all forms of cancer, stroke is the leading cause of death in the US, Japan and Canada.

What will happen if you get a Stroke? Here are some statistics :-

  • About 24 percent of strokes are fatal.
  • Fifty to 70 percent of survivors will have a mild disability or will improve.
  • Fifteen to 30 percent who survive will be permanently disabled.
  • Institutional care is required by 20 percent, three months post-stroke.

Let’s take a look at the Warning Signs of a Stroke so that we can take quick action. The victim’s life depends on your quick action, besides preventing further brain damage. Getting the victim to a hospital where there are facilities to treat Stroke is very important.

WARNING SIGNS

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

(Facts and Figures quoted are taken from The American Stroke Association)

[tags]strokes, warning signs of strokes, statistis of strokes[/tags]

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