Stroke: What You Need to Know

Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked or burst blood vessel. This deprives the brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, and they begin to die within minutes. The damage to the brain can affect various functions, such as movement, speech, vision, memory, and emotions.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 13 million people suffer from stroke every year, and about 5.5 million of them die. Stroke can affect anyone at any age, but some factors increase the risk of having a stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat).

The good news is that stroke can be prevented and treated if detected early. In this article, we will cover the following topics:

• How to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke using F.A.S.T
• How to prepare your home for your loved one who has had a stroke
• How rehabilitation can help your loved one recover from stroke
• What financial schemes and resources are available for stroke patients and caregivers
• How to care for yourself as a caregiver of a stroke patient
• What support groups are available for stroke patients and caregivers

How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke Using F.A.S.T

The signs and symptoms of stroke depend on the type, location, and severity of the brain injury. Some common signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, face, or arm; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone else has any of these signs, even if the symptoms went away, call for emergency medical help immediately. Every minute counts when it comes to stroke treatment.

A simple way to remember and recognize the common signs and symptoms of stroke is to use F.A.S.T:

• F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile to see if the smile is uneven. Weakness of the face muscle may result in an uneven smile due to face drooping.
• A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms and keep them up. An arm drifting downwards is a sign of arm weakness.
• S: Speech difficulty. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence and check if the speech sound slurred or unclear.
• T: Time to call 995. If the person shows any of the above signs, call for an ambulance to send the person to the hospital immediately.

Other signs of stroke may include sudden onset of numbness, swallowing difficulty, change of vision, unsteady walking, giddiness or severe headache.

How to Prepare Your Home for Your Loved One Who Has Had a Stroke

A common consequence of stroke is a physical disability which may linger on even after your loved one’s stay in the hospital. The best way to tackle this challenge is to ensure that things are set up at home so that it is easier to help your loved one ease back into his or her everyday life.

An important consideration is the modification of your home environment, which can help your loved one perform daily activities with less effort and greater independence.

Your loved one’s functional independence may be impacted after a stroke. To ensure that your loved one can continue to maximise his or her level of independence in daily activities, he or she may need assistive devices to help him or her move around.

Some examples of assistive devices are:

• Wheelchairs
• Walkers
• Canes
• Grab bars
• Shower chairs
• Raised toilet seats

You can consult your therapist or doctor on what kind of assistive devices are suitable for your loved one’s needs and where to get them.

Some tips on how to modify your home environment are:

• Remove clutter and loose rugs that may cause tripping or falling
• Arrange furniture so that there is enough space for your loved one to move around with ease
• Install ramps or stairlifts if there are stairs in your home
• Place frequently used items within easy reach
• Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen
• Install adequate lighting in all rooms
• Use labels or color codes to help your loved one identify items or locations

You can also refer to this [guide] by Health Promotion Board (HPB) for more information on how to make your home safer and more comfortable for your loved one.

How Rehabilitation Can Help Your Loved One Recover from Stroke

Rehabilitation benefits most patients with stroke, and plays a very important role in improving your loved one’s ability to perform their daily tasks, and also reduces post-stroke complications. Speak to your therapist or doctor to understand more about the rehabilitation potential and care options for your loved one.

Recovering from stroke is possible. Stroke rehabilitation programme consists of components such as specialised equipment, a holistic emphasis on emotional, social and cognitive aspects, accessibility to assistance services and more. Find out more about stroke programmes [here].

Rehabilitation can help your loved one regain some or all of the functions that were affected by the stroke, such as:

• Mobility
• Balance
• Coordination
• Strength
• Endurance
• Speech
• Language
• Swallowing
• Thinking
• Memory
• Attention
• Problem-solving
• Emotions

Rehabilitation can take place in different settings, such as:

• Hospital
• Rehabilitation centre
• Nursing home
• Home
• Community

The duration and intensity of rehabilitation depend on the individual needs and goals of your loved one. Rehabilitation can start as soon as possible after the stroke, and can continue for weeks, months, or even years.

Rehabilitation involves a team of health professionals who work together to help your loved one recover from stroke. The team may include:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech therapists
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Dietitians

You are also an important part of the rehabilitation team. You can support your loved one by:

• Encouraging and motivating your loved one to participate in rehabilitation activities
• Helping your loved one practice the skills learned in rehabilitation at home
• Communicating with the rehabilitation team about your loved one’s progress and challenges
• Learning how to care for your loved one’s physical and emotional needs
• Seeking help when you need it

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