Early intervention can save stroke victim

It is not widely known that much can often be done for a victim of a stroke if they can be given the correct medical treatment on time.

This is according to Sister Annemarie Odendaal of the Heart and Stroke Clinic at the Netcare Union Hospital in Alberton. Sr Odendaal said a recent case in which a 35-year-old stroke victim was brought to the hospital too late to be able to help him, was a grim reminder of this. 

70% survival rate

"Early recognition of signs of a stroke with the immediate intervention by medical staff has been shown to give a patient a 70% better survival rate," noted Sr Odendaal. "It is therefore of the utmost importance that the public is able to recognise a stroke and get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible." 

Sr Odendaal said the sooner a stroke victim could be treated the better. Active treatment at a hospital must be commenced within four hours after the first signs of a stroke if it is to have much hope of success.

She said that a stroke is best described as an acute loss of circulation to an area of the brain resulting in shortage of oxygen and a corresponding loss of neurological function. A stroke can cause damage to the functioning of the brain and sometimes even death. Early medical intervention can reduce damage to the brain and save lives, emphasised Sr Odendaal.

Signs of a stroke

So what are the indications that an individual may have suffered a stroke? According to Sr Odendaal the following signs should be looked for:

• Facial droop. Let person show his teeth or smile. Does one side of the face not move as well as the other side?
• Arm weakness. Ask the patient to close his or her eyes and hold both arms straight out for 10 seconds. There may be a problem if one arm does not move or the patient is not able to keep it up and it sags.
• Abnormal speech. Have a person repeat a statement such as “I drive a red lorry”. The patient may have suffered a stroke if he or she slurs words, uses the wrong words or cannot speak.

Four-hour window period

"It is very important that when any of the above signs are evident, the person receives medical treatment without delay," continued Sr Odendaal. “If you are uncertain rather be safe than sorry and get the patient to a hospital. Remember that there is only a four-hour window period for the successful treatment of a stroke patient.”

She said that the treatment involves the administration of specific anti-blood clotting agents and other medical interventions.

If you are worried that a loved one may have suffered a stroke contact the medical staff at the Emergency Unit of Netcare Union Hospital on the number 011 724 2114 or Sr Annemarie Odendaal on 011 724 2111.

(Netcare Union Hospital press release)

- (Health24, September 2010)