​​​​Stroke: Types, Treatment and Prevention
Stroke: Types, Treatment and Prevention

​Stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted. It is Singapore’s leading cause of adult disability as 63 per cent of stroke patients have some disability three months after the stroke.

STROKE is the 4th most common cause of death in Singapore

3.65% of the resident population in Singapore has had a stroke

26 new stroke cases every day in Singapore

Smoking increases the risk of stroke by up to 2.5X

Main types of stroke

  • Ischaemic stroke: Occurs when the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked
  • Haemorrhagic stroke: Occurs when the artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them

Treatment

  • Clot-eradicating drugs are needed as soon as possible with an ischaemic stroke. Doctors might recommend opening the artery that has been clogged up by fatty deposits.
  • Treatment to control bleeding and reduce pressure on the brain is needed with a haemorrhagic stroke. Patients may also need surgery.
  • Rehabilitation, if necessary, is focused on helping patients regain independence in their daily activities.

Prevention

  • Control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels to lower the risk of stroke.
  • Exercise at least three times a week.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Maintain an ideal body mass index (BMI) – between 18.5 and 22.9 for Asians.
  • If suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, take medication as advised by the doctor.
  • Annual health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are a must after the age of 40.

Do the F.A.S.T test if someone looks like he might be having a stroke

  • Face - Can the person smile? Is one side of his face or mouth drooping?
  • Arm - Can the person raise one or both arms and keep them up?
  • Speech - Is the person’s speech clear? Or is it slurred or garbled?
  • Time - Call 995 immediately or take the person to the nearest hospital. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, dizziness, severe headache, confusion, numbness.

Sources: www.moh.gov.sg, www.singhealth.com.sg, mayoclinic.org, snsa.org.sg

Ref. Q15​

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