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Stroke - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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Overview

  • Stroke is also called 'Cerebrovascular Accident' 
  • It is an acute neurological injury 
  • It may be due to blood clot (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic) 
  • Leads to stoppage of blood supply to a part of brain 
  • Oxygen supply is decreased 
  • This initiates 'ischemic cascade'-causes brain cell death/damage 
  • This results in a cerebral stroke 

Causes/Risks

  • High Blood Pressure 
  • Diabetes 
  • Cigarette smoking 
  • Heart Disease 

Symptoms

  • Numbness/weakness of an arm/leg/face/one side of body 
  • Sudden confusion in speaking/understanding speech 
  • Impaired vision in one or both eyes 
  • Sudden headache 
  • Loss of balance/co-ordination 
  • Dizziness 
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Treatment

  • If you suspect stroke, call emergency medical help 
  • Reassure the patient 
  • Lay the patient down with head and shoulders slightly elevated 
  • If patient is not breathing well do a CPR 
  • Place the patient on the left side if breathing/not responsive 
  • Keep the chin slightly extended 
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Steps To Avoid

  • Never give a suspected stroke victim anything to eat/drink 
  • Do not permit the victim to move 

Prevention

  • Do regular checkups for BP 
  • Eat food with less salt 
  • Exercise regularly 
  • Eat a balanced, healthy diet 
  • Take the BP pills regularly 
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