Grey Matter matters
Did you know that the human brain comprises 2% of our body weight yet consumes 20% of our oxygen intake?
For the past two decades, Brain Awareness Week has celebrated neuroscientific research through unique community programs catered to people of all ages and backgrounds. The program’s mission is simply to educate the public about the brain and brain research. Brain Awareness Week (BAW, at: www.dana.org/baw) runs from 16–22 March and unites the efforts of partner organisations worldwide. As BAW turns 20, it is an opportune time to raise brain awareness, particularly in relation to strokes.
A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Blood is carried to the brain by blood vessels called arteries. Blood contains oxygen and important nutrients for your brain cells. Blood may be interrupted or stop moving through an artery, because the artery is blocked (ischaemic stroke) or bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). When brain cells do not get enough oxygen or nutrients, they die. The area of brain damage is called a cerebral infarct.
Brain cells usually die shortly after the stroke starts. However, some cells can last a few hours, if the blood supply is not cut off completely. If the blood supply can be returned in the minutes and hours after the stroke, some of these cells may recover. If not, they will also die.
A ‘mini stroke’ (or transient ischaemic attack TIA) happens when there is a temporary interruption to the blood supply to the brain. It causes the same symptoms as a stroke, but these go away completely within 24 hours.
The National Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.
A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke related brain damage. Emergency medical treatment soon after symptoms begin improves the chance of survival and successful rehabilitation.
The risk of stroke and second stroke is influenced by a number of factors. The more stroke risk factors you have, the higher your chances of having a stroke. Stroke risk factors fall into three groups:
1.Stroke risk factors that you cannot control, including:
Age – as you get older, your risk of stroke increases
Gender – stroke is more common in men
A family history of stroke.
2.Medical stroke risk factors
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
Irregular pulse (atrial fibrillation)
Diabetes
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)
3.Lifestyle stroke risk factors that you can control
High blood pressure (hypertension) – is the most important known risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessel walls, which may eventually lead to a stroke.
High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia /dyslipidemia) – contributes to blood vessel disease, which often leads to stroke.
Cigarette smoking – smoking can increase your risk of stroke or further stroke by increasing blood pressure and reducing oxygen in the blood.
Obesity or being overweight and stroke – being overweight or obese can increase the risk of stroke. Too much body fat can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and can lead to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. If you are unable to maintain your weight within recommended levels, ask a doctor or nutritionist for help.
Poor diet and lack of exercise – being inactive, overweight or both can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Drinking too much alcohol – drinking large amounts of alcohol (six or more standard drinks per day) increases your risk of stroke.
You can get more information on lifestyle stroke risk factors that you can control, from Self Care Fact Cards from our Pharmacy. We have Self Care Fact Cards on topics such as High Blood Pressure, Weight and Health, and Diabetes Type 2, as well as lifestyle topics such as Fat and Cholesterol, Smoking, Alcohol, Exercise and the Heart.
Reproduced from the PSA Health Column 18/3/15
