World Stroke Day observed on October 29 every year has been initiated by the World Stroke Organisation since 2006.

The objective of this is to underscore the nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness on the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. There are about 80 million stroke survivors worldwide and about 50 million survivors live with some form of permanent disability. 1 in every 6 people are likely to have a stroke. In such a scenario it becomes imperative that the struggles, treatment, readiness to deal with it are focused upon.

As difficult as it might look, it is not impossible to get back up again after a stroke and that is this year’s theme defined by World Stroke Campaign. The campaign acknowledges what a stroke can take away, but also celebrates what it can’t. It aims at encouraging survivors to work towards a new normal and overcome the struggles to start afresh.

Know the signs of stroke-

If you see or doubt yourself or someone having a stroke check for certain symptoms. They vary between being subtle and severe depending on the severity of the stroke. To be able to recall them easily use the acronym FAST that stand for-

• Face: Is the face numb or does it droop on one side?
Arms: Is one arm numb or weaker than the other? Does one arm stay lower than the other when trying to raise both arms?
• Speech: Is speech slurred or garbled?
• Time: If the answer to any of the above is yes, it’s time to call for help immediately.
• Other stroke symptoms include:
• blurred vision, dim vision, or loss of vision, especially in one eye
• tingling, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body
• nausea
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• loss of balance or consciousness

If you happen to experience or witness someone else having these symptoms spend no time waiting. Even for the slightest symptoms take immediate action. What you can do for yourself or others are-

• Call an ambulance. If you are the one having stroke symptoms have someone call them for you
• Hold the person having the symptoms in a safe position
• Make note of the time you or they started displaying symptoms and the medicines being consumed which is of vital importance later
• Do not eat or drink anything if you have symptoms or give the people you are helping anything to consume
• Do not panic and stay as calm as you can till help arrives
• You should try to get professional help as soon as possible

Source:

https://www.worldstrokecampaign.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Stroke_Day

https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/stroke-first-aid

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/atrial-fibrillation-and-stroke/stroke-help/