• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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​