Stroke can lead to impairment, loss of memory and death. However, the good news is that if you follow doctors’ instructions, you can prevent this deadly ailment.  

According to Delphine Mushimiyimana, a physiotherapist at University of Rwanda’s Polyclinic, Kiyovu, a stroke is a non-communicable disease which emerges when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, insufficient or even reduced, cutting out the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This injures brain cells which die with time. A stroke is a medical emergency. It is important to get the necessary treatment immediately to lessen brain damage and possible impediments.

She also notes there are three types of stroke and one of them is a haemorrhagic stroke, which is when blood from an artery begins bleeding into the brain. This happens when a debilitated blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the surrounding brain. Pressure from the leaked blood damages brain cells — here, the damaged area is unable to function properly.  

Sheila Wibabara, a physiotherapist at PHYSIQUE LTD, Remera, says the other two types of stroke include; ischaemic stroke - this stroke can be caused by a blood clot that forms in the heart and travels to the brain or by atherothrombosis.

She says, transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is another stroke type that is caused by a blood clot that temporarily interrupts blood flow in the brain, and is a major risk factor for future strokes that could cause more serious damage.

Mushimiyimana says, a stroke can occur when someone is stressed, overworked and not rested enough, or has high blood pressure. The high blood pressure can cause the blood vessel to burst. This needs an immediate emergency to handle it.

Wibabara says that the people who are prone to stroke are those who are; overweight, those who rarely or don’t do physical exercises, diabetics and people that have been majorly operated.

If you have a problem with the right side of the brain, Mushimiyimana notes that the paralysis will be presented by the left side of the body. Stroke affects people emotionally, economically and physically, she says.

RISK FACTORS

Mushimiyimana notes that high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, for instance, heart failure, heart defects, heart infection, can lead to stroke.

Wibabara states that stroke risk factors are mainly family history of heart disease. This may include; defective heart valves, and irregular heartbeat. High blood pressure typically 140/90 or higher, tobacco users. Nicotine makes your blood pressure go up. Cigarette smoke causes a fatty build up in your main neck artery. It also thickens your blood and makes it more likely to clot.

She also adds that people with diabetes have high blood pressure and are more likely to be overweight. Both raise the chance of a stroke. Diabetes damages your blood vessels, which makes a stroke more likely. If you have a stroke when your blood sugar levels are high, the injury to your brain is greater.

COMPLICATIONS

Mushimiyimana explains that a stroke patient can become paralysed on one side of their body, or fail to control certain muscles, for example, those on one side of their face or on the arm.

"A stroke might affect control of the muscles in one’s mouth and throat, thus making it hard for you to talk clearly, swallow or eat. You also may have difficulty with language (aphasia), including speaking or understanding speech, reading, or writing,” she states.

She says that some people who experience stroke might have memory loss, trouble thinking, reasoning and understanding some notions, while others may have more struggle controlling their emotions, or may even develop depression or become mentally disturbed.

Mushimiyimana carries on that stroke can come with numbness, or other strange feelings, for example, someone suffering from a stroke might lose feeling in their left or right arm, may develop an uncomfortable burning sensation in that arm.

She further says that these patients might find it hard to control their urine and faeces, and most of them have to depend on people for everything. Some stroke patients even feel irritated, especially if they fail to say what they want and wonder why they are helpless.

TREATMENT

Mushimiyimana says exercise is very important for strengthening and stretching, these exercises are known as proprioception. This is also known as kinaesthesia, which is the sense of self-movement and body position.

She also notes that physiotherapy works effectively if it is done consecutively.

PREVENTION

Mushimiyimana adds, to prevent stroke, you must exercise at least 30 minutes every day, you can do aerobics, swim, walk, and run. However, it is important to know your health status to know the kind of exercise suitable for your weight.  

To avert stroke, Wibabara explains that people need to be sensitised about it, frequent check-ups with your doctor, especially when you are diabetic or have heart disease.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com