Every year in Poland, about 30 people die as a result of a stroke. Such infamous statistics put the disease in the third place in terms of mortality, after heart disease and cancer. Every day, a stroke occurs in over 000 people, which means that every 220 minutes it can happen to any of us …
Stroke Symptoms – Don’t Underestimate Them!
A stroke can occur at any time in the course of daily activities. Brain dysfunction occurs as a result of blood circulation abnormalities, which prevents oxygen and other nutrients from reaching it. Because of this, parts of the brain’s tissues die.
One of the causes of stroke is ischaemia caused by atrial fibrillation. This is a serious condition that can make your heart beat irregularly and quickly. As a result of irregular impulses, the sinoatrial node is unable to control the normal rhythm of the heart. Consequently, the atria do not physiologically contract, they only vibrate. Blood pumping performance drops, which can cause stagnation and clots.
The three primary symptoms of a stroke are:
- speech disorders (both constructing utterances and listening comprehension),
- impaired motor function, mainly in the limbs,
- muscular paralysis, which is most often visible on the face, e.g. the drooping corner of the mouth.
He can remember these symptoms using only the acronym of the word UDAR, where:
- U – means speech impeded,
- D – indicates a hand / hand falling down,
- A – indicates lip asymmetry,
- R – is a reaction, i.e. a signal to call for help.
React – time matters!
October 29 is World Stroke Day. On this occasion, the largest patient organizations, as well as scientific societies dealing with the topic of stroke, want to make Poles aware of how to react to specific symptoms of the disease. This year’s edition of the “IMPACT ALERT” follows the motto “Let (yourself) be saved”.
A quick reaction of the witness to the event, including most often his loved ones, can save his life. When symptoms appear, it is essential to immediately call an ambulance by calling 999 or 112. Remember to listen carefully to the dispatcher’s questions and follow his instructions. The faster the reaction, the greater the chance of saving your life.
What should the dispatcher be informed about?
- What are the symptoms?
- Who needs help (gender, age)?
- Where is the needy?
Dr. Włodzimierz Krzysztof Dłużyński, President of the Management Board of the Brain Stroke Foundation, explains that getting the patient to the hospital department at the right time increases the chance of avoiding serious consequences of the disease. He also adds that both treatment and rehabilitation of a patient after a stroke episode can be difficult and long, and requires both commitment and patience from the patient.
The famous Polish actor Jacek Rozenek, who has experienced a serious stroke himself, is involved in the social campaign and knows how important immediate help is in this case.
Give a message that could save your life. Share the following graphic via MMS, social media:
More information is available on the website of the campaign «Stop Strokes».
ORGANIZERS OF THE “IMPACT ALERT” ACTION:
● Stowarzyszenie Udarowcy – Support counts! – www.udarowcy.com.pl, https://www.facebook.com/StowarzyenieUdarowcy-Liczy-si%C4%99-Wsparcie
● Brain Stroke Foundation – www.fum.info.pl, https://www.facebook.com/fundacja.udaru.mozgu
● Boehringer Ingelheim — www.boehringer-ingelheim.com, https://www.facebook.com/BoehringerIngelheimPolska
PARTNER OF THE “IMPACT ALERT” ACTION:
● Polish Society of Medical Rescuers – www.ratmed.org