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Showing posts with label stroke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stroke. Show all posts

Sunday, September 24, 2023

The financial impact of having a stroke

 

One way to alleviate some of the costs incurred after a stroke is to review your health insurance to ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to. — Freepik

A big financial impact

The aftermath of a strokr can be expensive with medicines, assistive devices, home modifications, and caregiver costs, coupled with potential loss of income. 


The financial impact of a stroke can be overwhelming and unpredictable.

The lifetime cost of ischaemic strokes – which comprise over 80% of strokes and are caused by blockage of blood vessels supplying part of the brain – were estimated at US$140,481 (RM659,698).

This includes the cost of inpatient care, rehabilitation and follow-up care.

A study that looked at the cost of post-stroke outpatient care in Malaysia in 2015, found that the average total cost incurred was US$547.10 (RM2,569.18).

Of this figure, 36.6% was spent on attendant care, 25.5% on medical aids, 15.1% on travel expenses, 14.1% on medical fees and 8.5% on out-of-pocket expenses.

The main factor in the cost of post-stroke outpatient care was the severity of the stroke.

Increased costs was also associated with a haemorrhagic stroke – the other main type of stroke, which is caused by the bleeding, or haemorrhage, of a blood vessel in the brain.

Leading a safe and cost-effective life post-stroke requires a combination of self-care, medical management and lifestyle adjustments.

Here are some steps that can help:

> Follow medical advice

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice on medication, rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.

This may include taking medication as prescribed, attending rehabilitation sessions, and making changes to your diet and exercise routine.

> Manage chronic health conditions

If you have other chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s important to manage these conditions to reduce the risk of future strokes and other health complications.

> Make home modifications

Consider making modifications to your home to reduce the risk of falls and improve your safety.

This may include installing grab bars, non-slip mats and handrails.

> Use assistive devices 

Assistive devices such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs, can help you maintain your mobility and independence.

> Adopt healthy habits

Adopting healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep, can help you maintain your overall health and reduce the risk of future strokes.

> Stay socially active

Staying socially active and engaged can help reduce the risk of depression and improve your overall quality of life.

Consider joining a social group or doing volunteer work.

> Manage finances

Stroke can have a significant financial impact on the family, especially if the stroke patient is the sole breadwinner.

So it’s important to manage your finances carefully.

By following these steps and working closely with your healthcare team, you can lead a safe and cost-effective life post-stroke.

Managing the financial impact


As mentioned above, no doubt, one of the biggest challenges post-stroke would be the financial impact on the patient and their dependents.

Financial burdens following a stroke may be due to medical expenses and decreased income because of the inability to work, whether it is the patient themself or a family member who has to quit their job to become a full-time caregiver to the patient.

Addressing financial needs post-stroke can be challenging, but here are some strategies that can help:

> Review your insurance coverage

Examine your insurance coverage to make sure it includes all the necessary benefits and services, such as rehabilitation and home healthcare.

Consider speaking with an insurance specialist to ensure you are getting the most out of your coverage.

> Explore disability benefits

If you are unable to work because of stroke, you may be eligible for disability benefits.

Socso provides a range of benefits for employees, including medical treatment, rehabilitation and financial assistance.

There are also many NGOs (non-governmental organisations) that offer financial assistance to stroke patients and their families, including the National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam), Stroke Care Malaysia, etc.

These organisations can help with medical bills, transportation costs and other expenses related to stroke care.

> Create a budget

You and your dependents should review your daily expenses and financial commitments to see what can be adjusted to compensate for the decrease in income and increase in stroke-related expenses.

A leaner budget might have to be created for the family to follow, to ensure that you don’t go into unsustainable debt, or even bankruptcy.

What’s good for yourself

It is also important, though challenging, to develop a sense of what is good for oneself after a stroke.

Here are some methods that can help:

> Listen to your body

Pay attention to your body and how it responds to different activities and situations.

Take note of what makes you feel better or worse. and adjust your routine accordingly.

> Set realistic goals

Set achievable goals that are tailored to your abilities and interests.

This can help you build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which can improve your overall well-being.

> Prioritise self-care

Make self-care a priority, including getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity, as recommended by your healthcare providers.

> Seek support

Connect with others who have experienced stroke or other health challenges.

Consider joining a support group or seeking individual therapy to help you process your emotions and develop coping skills.

> Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and develop a greater sense of inner calm and well-being.

> Experiment and adjust

Be willing to experiment with different approaches to self-care and self-discovery, and be open to adjusting your routine as needed.

By focusing on self-care, seeking support, and staying open to new experiences and perspectives, stroke patients can develop a greater sense of what is good for themselves and their overall well-being.

In a nutshell, it is not impossible for a person to regain a normal life after a stroke.

The real challenge lies in how stroke survivors can manage their post-stroke life and deal with the challenges from then on effectively.

Remember, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel for stroke survivors!

Dr Lee Tze Yan is a senior lecturer in molecular medicine at Perdana University. Matthew Teo Yong Chang is an occupational therapist specialising in stroke rehabilitation and senior lecturer at Manipal University College Malaysia. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.


Tuesday, January 10, 2023

REVERSE Your Clogged & Stiff Arteries [50% Atherosclerosis over 45!]

 

https://youtu.be/oNiZo0nO048

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 0:00 Peripheral Arterial Disease 0:31 What is a blood clot? 0:51 Arteriosclerosis vs Atherosclerosis 1:10 Coronary Artery Disease & Stiff Arteries 2:20 Clogged Arteries 2:55 Cholesterol 3:39 Vascular specialist & Peripheral artery disease test 4:30 Angioplasty Vascular Surgery 6:10 Bypass Vascular Surgery 6:45 Atherosclerosis medications & treatment 7:20 Alcohol inflammation 8:08 Smoking 8:38 Marijuana & Cannabis 9:05 Stress 10:05 Obesity 11:05 Strength Training 11:35 Cardiovascular exercise 12:38 Best foods for Atherosclerosis 13:50 Sugar 14:05 Trans Fats 14:35 Best cooking oils 15:15 Good fats vs. bad fats 16:00 Omega 3 Fatty Acids 16:55 High Fiber Diet 👉 

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📢Disclaimer:📢 This video and description contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click on one of the product links. Thank you for your support of this channel! This is opinion only: For the viewer or reader: Do not consider this video a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly urge you to contact your physician with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately or see your physician. Do not allow this information to let you disregard your professional's medical advice or delay seeking information from this content. Do not rely on information provided by this general education video. 

 Healthcare practitioners: The content here is for education purposes only. The authors have done their best to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based information, but this content should definitely not be considered any type of medical standard. It does not reflect individual practices in other geographic areas. This is strictly for medical education purposes only, and it is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The information in these videos is the author's opinion and is not an official opinion of any organizations that the authors may be a part of. The authors or speakers are not associated with any of the above products.

 

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High cholesterol levels: Why taking your medicine diligently is more effective than changing your diet 

 
 

 

Eggs are healthier than you think

 

Not the best for weight

 Although BMI is widely used as a measure of weight, it is not very accurate and can lead to the mistreatment of oesity and eating disorders. 

 

Attacking the brain

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Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Best time to exercise for better blood sugar control

 Credit: Getty Images
 https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8011727/best-time-to-exercise-for-blood-sugar/
 
EXERCISING in the afternoon or evening may be better for blood sugar control than spreading activity throughout the day, research suggests.

A new study published in the journal Diabetologia found that exercising between noon and midnight could cut insulin resistance by up to a quarter.

Insulin resistance is when cells in the muscles, fat and liver struggle to respond to insulin and cannot easily take up glucose from the blood.

This results in the pancreas making more insulin to help the glucose enter cells.

Blood glucose stays in the healthy range as long as the pancreas can make enough insulin to overcome the cells’ weak response, but sometimes the glucose levels rise too high and sugar stays in the bloodstream.

This can lead to pre-diabetes (the stage before diabetes is diagnosed) or diabetes.

The new study was carried out by Dr Jeroen van der Velde and colleagues at Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.

Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise is linked to better sensitivity to insulin, thereby cutting the risk of developing diabetes.

The team used data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, which included men and women aged between 45 and 65 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more (putting them in the overweight or obese category).

A separate group of people were used as a control group, meaning the overall study included 6,671 people. Those taking part underwent a physical examination during which blood samples were taken to measure blood glucose and insulin levels when people were fasting and after eating.

People were also asked about their lifestyles and some were randomly selected to have their liver fat content measured using MRI scans.

A random group of 955 people were also given a combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor to wear for four consecutive days and nights to monitor movement and activity levels.

Some 775 people with complete data were included in an analysis.

The results showed that spending time on moderate to vigorous physical activity reduced liver fat content and also reduced insulin resistance.

Doing exercise in the afternoon or evening was linked to reduced insulin resistance, by 18% and 25% respectively, compared to an even distribution of activity throughout the day.

There was no significant difference in insulin resistance between morning activity and activity spread evenly over the day, the study found.

The researchers concluded: “These results suggest that timing of physical activity throughout the day is relevant for the beneficial effects of physical activity on insulin sensitivity.

“Further studies should assess whether timing of physical activity is indeed important for the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.” -    dpa
 
 
 
Related posts:
 
 Although BMI is widely used as a measure of weight, it is not very accurate and can lead to the mistreatment of obesity and eating disorde...
 


Tuesday, July 19, 2022

KEEPING ACTIVE FOR BETTER COGNITION: Sharpening the mind, Feeling better with ginkgo biloba

 

Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris

 

“Without the right energy and nutrients, the brain will start losing its function.”

ACCORDING to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 70% of the global burden of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions affect lowand middle-income countries. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the world with nine million deaths annually.

Stroke, migraine, dementia, meningitis and epilepsy are the top five contributors of neurological disabilities globally, with an increase in ageing populations, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease becoming more significant.

MSU Medical Centre’s medical director and consultant neurosurgeon Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris explains, “The brain is a unique organ with three important functions that affect our lives which are, (i) sensory interpretation and movement control; (ii) cognitive, mental and emotional integrity; and (iii) behaviour and social execution.” 

 

Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris

Brain health is becoming an important concept in healthy living which encompasses the ability of the brain to rewire during the life in response to changes in experience and environment. A healthy brain is capable of slowing down cognitive decline and combating any injury or diseases of the brain. There are a number of things that we can make a habit of to maintain our brain health.

Regular physical activity can benefit the brain by optimising brain blood flow and reducing loss of brain cells during ageing. Those who exercise regularly can enjoy healthy cognitive abilities and have a lower risk of developing dementia. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risks of getting a stroke.

Some studies have found that regular exercise increases the level of protein that promotes growth and maintenance of brain cells. Having an active lifestyle such as taking the stairs and participating in sports or physical activities such as brisk walking or aerobic training can have a positive impact on brain health.

Quality sleep is important for brain healing and restoration of mental function. Sleep makes our thinking processes sharp and focused with better decision-making. Seven to eight hours of sleep gives the brain adequate time to clear abnormal proteins that accelerate dementia. Several lifestyle measures can be adopted to ensure no alteration in sleep patterns such as increasing time in the sunlight, consistent sleep routines and gaining knowledge about the effects of medications.

Even though the brain is only 2% of the body weight, it consumes 20% of energy requirements. Without the right energy and nutrients, the brain will start losing its function. Food which is rich with antioxidants (compounds that have a protective effect on the brain), fibre, unsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), B vitamins and an adequate amount of complex carbohydrates are important to maintain a healthy brain. A diet rich in processed foods, salt and refined sugars can increase inflammation and free radicals in our body that can have negative impacts on brain health.

Cognitive stimulation by learning new skills or knowledge maintain good brain health with the formation of new circuits between brain cells. Challenging the brain increases its cognitive reserve by creating an adequate backup system. With more reserves, the brain can become more resistant to changes that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Education and learning enhance the cognitive reserve which makes the brain less susceptible to the effects of age and brain-related changes.

Depression and anxiety can be detrimental to brain health with their effects on mood and emotion. These conditions lead to slow thinking, memory and concentration difficulties. Social connectivity helps get rid of depression and anxiety. Socialising helps the brain to expand its cognitive reserve. Engaging in conversation trains the brain to increase attention and concentration and helps social judgement. It is important to stay connected with friends and family to maintain healthy brain function. - Star2 

 

Sharpening the mind 

Various nutrients and vitamins are known to boost brainpower and help people reach their full potential.

 

LIVING in a fast-paced environment, you may find yourself juggling multiple tasks at the same time and having a constant drive to maintain momentum. The ever-increasing demands can really take a toll on you, both physically and mentally, leaving you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or emotionally drained. If you find yourself having moments of spacey or fuzzy thoughts, you are most likely experiencing brain fog.

Brain fog has become more common than ever before as a result of hectic lifestyles. Also known as mental fatigue, it is not a medical condition but rather a cognitive dysfunction involving an inability to focus, poor concentration, forgetfulness, confusion, irritability, headaches, etc.

Brain fog can come and go over a period of time, commonly triggered by stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, or medications. More than just a nuisance, these challenges can damper your mental clarity and interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks at varying degrees. If left unaddressed, it can snowball into chronic fatigue which ultimately leads to burnout.

Nootropics are known to help boost brainpower so you can perform at your fullest potential, whether you are a student aiming to ace your exams, a working professional striving to excel at your duties or a senior looking to preserve your grey matter.

Acetyl-l-carnitine is an amino acid produced naturally in your body. It supports cellular energy production to fuel your brain for better focus and concentration. As an antioxidant, it helps protect brain cells from oxidative stress.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system. It supports the formation of myelin sheath which protects* the nerve cells, ensuring fast and effective transmission of nerve impulses. It is also required to produce mood-enhancing dopamine and serotonin.

Phosphatidylserine is an essential building block of cell membranes, with high concentrations in the nerve cells of the brain. It increases the production of acetylcholine, an abundant neurotransmitter in the brain, which plays an important role in alertness, learning and memory.

Together, these nutrients work synergistically to give you an extra boost to get you through the busy day.

This informational article is brought to you by Vitahealth.

■ For more information, call 1800 183 288. 

Gear up
 

 

Feeling better with ginkgo biloba 

 


THE ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China that has been historically associated to have traditional medicinal properties that help reduce memory loss, aid respiratory difficulties and improve circulation. Sometimes known as the maidenhair tree, it is often described as a ‘living fossil tree’ due to its ancient taxonomic origins dating to prehistoric times.

In more recent years, ginkgo extract has been discussed as a prescription to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety as well as to improve cognitive function related to mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. According to Herbs and Botanical Supplements: Principles and Concepts by Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease, the extract has been approved as a treatment for dementia in countries such as Germany.

According to Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract Against AD and Other Neurological Disorders published by Neurotherapeutics, ginkgo is linked with improved cerebral blood flow which may be beneficial in reducing fatigue and absent-mindedness. In addition, ginkgo biloba was also shown to have neuroprotective effects through several in-depth clinical studies.

In a research titled Ginkgo biloba special extract EGB 761® in generalised anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published by Journal of Psychiatric Research, individuals with a generalised anxiety disorder who had participated in the study were found to experience improved anxiety relief when compared to the group who had taken a placebo.

Ginkgo biloba has also been linked with improving several cognitive functions that are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, as reported by The Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on Cognitive Function in Alzheimer Disease published in Neurological Review reports.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia by the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests further evidence for the soothing effects of ginkgo biloba in cases of dementia. Within its intent-to-treat analysis, researchers found that the participants who were given ginkgo biloba extract scored substantially lower on the commonly used Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale.

Overall, ginkgo biloba extracts can be a strong consideration when faced with issues pertaining to certain brain conditions and blood flow.

■ For more information, call 03-7490 2138. 

Nature's Way, Ginkgo, 120 Vegan Capsules

  Nature's Way, Ginkgo, 120 Vegan Capsules

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Sunday, May 1, 2022

Humans are nutritionally wise; Say goodbye to daily aspirin

  Our food choices may be smarter than previously thought.

 
 


Researchers say our food choices may be influenced by nutritional requirements rather than calories.

PIONEERING research has shed new light on what drives people’s basic food preferences.

The international study, led by the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, set out to re-examine and test the widely-held view that humans evolved to favour energy dense foods and our diets are balanced simply by eating a variety of different foods.

Contrary to this belief, its findings revealed people seem to have “nutritional wisdom,” whereby foods are selected in part to meet our need for vitamins and minerals, and avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Lead author Jeff Brunstrom, professor of experimental psychology, said: “The results of our studies are hugely significant and rather surprising. For the first time in almost a century, we’ve shown humans are more sophisticated in their food choices, and appear to select based on specific micronutrients rather than simply eating everything and getting what they need by default.”

The paper, published in the journal Appetite, gives renewed weight to bold research carried out in the 1930s by an American paediatrician, Dr Clara Davis, who put a group of 15 babies on a diet which allowed them to “self-select”, in other words eat whatever they wanted, from 33 different food items.

While no child ate the same combination of foods, they all achieved and maintained a good state of health, which was taken as evidence of “nutritional wisdom”.

Its findings were later scrutinised and criticised, but replicating Dr Davis’ research was not possible because this form of experimentation on babies would today be considered unethical.

Hence, it has been nearly a century since any scientist has attempted to find evidence for nutritional wisdom in humans – a faculty which has also been found in other animals, such as sheep and rodents.

To overcome these barriers, Prof Brunstrom’s team developed a novel technique which involved measuring preference by showing people images of different fruit and vegetable pairings so their choices could be analysed without putting their health or well-being at risk.

In total 128 adults participated in two experiments.

The first study showed people prefer certain food combinations more than others.

For example apple and banana might be chosen slightly more often than apple and blackberries.

Remarkably, these preferences appear to be predicted by the amounts of micronutrients in a pair and whether their combination provides a balance of different micronutrients.

To confirm this, they ran a second experiment with different foods and ruled out other explanations.

To complement and cross-check these findings, real-world meal combinations as reported in the UK’S National Diet and Nutrition Survey were studied.

Similarly, these data demonstrated people combine meals in a way that increases exposure to micronutrients in their diet.

Specifically, components of popular UK meals e.g. fish and chips or curry and rice, seem to offer a wider range of micronutrients than meal combinations generated randomly, such as chips and curry.

The study is also notable as it features an unusual collaboration – Prof Brunstrom’s co-author is Mark Schatzker, a journalist and author.

In 2018, the two met when Schatzker delivered a talk about his book, The Dorito Effect, which examines how the flavour of whole foods and processed foods has changed, and the implications for health and wellness.

Prof Brunstrom explained: “Mark challenged the view among behavioural nutrition scientists that humans only seek calories in food. He pointed out, for example, that fine wine, rare spices and wild mushrooms are highly sought after but are a poor source of calories.

“This was all very intriguing, so I went to see him at the end and basically said: ‘Great talk, but I think you’re probably wrong. Do you want to test it?’

“That marked the start of this journey, which ultimately suggests I was wrong. Far from being a somewhat simple-minded generalist, as previously believed, humans seem to possess a discerning intelligence when it comes to selecting a nutritious diet.”

Schatzker added: “The research questions the modern food environment – does our cultural fixation with fad diets, which limit or forbid consumption of certain types of foods, disrupt or disturb this dietary ‘intelligence’ in ways we do not understand?”

“Studies have shown animals use flavour as a guide to the vitamins and minerals they require.

“If flavour serves a similar role for humans, then we may be imbuing junk foods such as potato chips and fizzy drinks with a false ‘sheen’ of nutrition by adding flavourings to them.

“In other words, the food industry may be turning our nutritional wisdom against us, making us eat food we would normally avoid, thus contributing to the obesity epidemic.” - The Star Malaysia 

 

Say goodbye to daily aspirin 


Daily aspirin no longer recommended for adults 60 and older

Doctors reverse recommendation on daily aspirin

THIS might be a tough pill to swallow.

People aged 60 and older are no longer recommended to take aspirin medication as a way of avoiding heart disease because of the potential health risks, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced last week.

The new stance by the leading task force serves as an update to its 2016 guidance, which said people between 60 and 69 years old with at least a 10% risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years should view taking low-dose aspirin daily as an “individual” decision.

“Based on new evidence since the 2016 Task Force recommendation, it is now recommended that once people turn 60 years old, they should not consider starting to take aspirin because the risk of bleeding cancels out the benefits of preventing heart disease,” reads the announcement by the USPSTF.

Meanwhile, people aged 40 to 59 with at least a 10% risk of 10-year cardiovascular disease should look at taking daily aspirin as an individual choice, the task force said.

“Daily aspirin use may help prevent heart attacks and strokes in some people, but it can also cause potentially serious harms, such as internal bleeding,” John Wong, a member of the task force, said in a statement.

“It’s important that people who are 40 to 59 years old and don’t have a history of heart disease have a conversation with their clinician to decide together if starting to take aspirin is right for them.”

The new guidelines apply to people who don’t have cardiovascular disease but are at high risk to develop it and haven’t begun taking aspirin each day.

The organisation also notes that about 605,000 people in the US suffer their first heart attack each year on average, while about 610,000 have their first stroke.

Heart disease accounts for more than 25% of deaths in the US, making it the leading cause in the country.

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that has been used for more than a century. It’s often taken to treat symptoms such as headaches, body aches and other cold-like ailments.

The task force is made up of 16 appointed volunteers who are each considered leaders within a field of health or medicine.- TNS

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

A leading cause of disability and fatality

https://youtu.be/Aq0DE5wzDs8

#NASAM #STROKE #StrokeSurvivor National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM)

#NASAM #STROKE #StrokeSurvivor #Caregiver #Physiotherapy #OccupationalTherapy #SpeechTherapy #FAST #REHABILITATION


CONSULTANT neurosurgeon at MSU Medical Centre Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris explains, “There are two types of stroke; ischaemic and haemorrhagic. Occurring in 80% of stroke cases, ischaemic stroke is owed to a narrowing of blood vessels by fat deposits or blood clots disrupting blood supply to the brain. The remaining 20% is owed to ruptured blood vessels caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure or a weakened blood vessel wall. 



“Stroke survivors suffer different deficits according to the affected brain area. They may suffer from memory and emotional disturbances, or be challenged by speech, vision, sensory, or movement difficulties. In a transient ischaemic attack, commonly called a mini stroke, the symptoms hit for only a few minutes or hours and then disappear. Mini strokes happen when blood supply to the brain is interrupted only momentarily, though the chance of getting permanent stroke within 48 hours raises tenfold and the risk remains high within three months.”

He adds, “With increasing age, the likelihood of getting an ischaemic stroke rises with the increased narrowing of the blood vessels. Other factors leading to stroke include smoking, obesity, alcoholism, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Lifestyle changes and treatment optimisation may reduce the risk of getting a stroke.”

Recognising an onset of stroke is crucial to reducing deaths and disabilities from delayed stroke treatment. Tools such as ‘‘BE FAST’’ help make an informed society to spot the onset of stroke and act timely. • B – Balancing difficulties
• E – Eye and vision disturbances
• F – Facial weakness
• A – Arm or leg weakness
• S – Speech difficulties
• T – Time to call ambulance

Treatment for ischaemic strokes includes restoring blood flow to the affected area by injecting a bloodthinning medication called alteplase into a vein in the arm to dissolve blood clots inside the brain’s blood vessel.

Another technique called endovascular therapy dissolves blood clot inside the blocked brain vessel by directly injecting alteplase through a small catheter placed inside the affected blood vessel, or removes the blood clot by retrieving it with a special device through a catheter placed inside the affected blood vessel.

For haemorrhagic strokes, the main goal of treatment is to control bleeding and to reduce the increased pressure in the brain. The high blood pressure must be controlled by antihypertensive drugs, and the effect of the bloodthinning medication needs to be reversed to reduce further bleeding. Ruptured blood vessels caused by cerebral aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations need to be treated by surgical intervention or endovascular therapy.

The recovery phase for each patient depends on the extent of disabilities resulting from the stroke. Most stroke patients need to undergo physical therapy to regain limb functions. Some need to undergo speech therapy to be able to speak and understand conversations.

Prevention of stroke involves lifestyle modifications such as controlling one’s high blood pressure and blood sugar level, consuming low-fat diet, fruits, and vegetables, avoiding tobacco use and practising active physical activities such as exercise, jogging, or hiking.

Source link

 

National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM)

 NASAM BACKGROUND

• South East Asia’s first non-profit organisation offering rehabilitation services for stroke survivors

•Founded in 1995 by Janet Yeo after her remarkable recovery from a stroke

> •Advocates ‘There is life after stroke’

•Aims to improve the quality of life of stroke survivors and their families and help reduce the risk of stroke amongst Malaysians through stroke awareness and prevention advocacy

> •Stroke specific rehab focuses on the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of survivors

•Services include physio, occupational and speech therapies, recreational activities, alternative therapy and counselling

•Long term mission to make stroke rehabilitation accessible to as many stroke survivors as possible

•9 clubs in Malaysia – Petaling Jaya, Ampang, Penang, Perak, Malacca, Johor, Kuantan, Sabah, Kedah

•NASAM is a non-profit organisation, depending wholly on the generosity of its supporters and the public
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National Stroke Association Of Malaysia (HQ)
12, Jalan Bukit Menteri Selatan 7/2,
46050 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
contact: 03 - 7956 1876 | fax: 03 - 7931 0087
email: info@nasam.org | website: www.nasam.org
www.facebook.com/NationalStrokeAssociationMalaysia

OUR BRANCHES

NASAM PETALING JAYA
No. 12, Jalan Bukit Menteri Selatan (7/2), Seksyen 7,
46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel: +603 7956 4840 | Fax: +603 7931 0087 | Email: nasampj@nasam.org

NASAM AMPANG

No. 9, Lorong Awan 1, Kuala Ampang,
68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel: +603 4256 1234 | Fax: +603 4251 5360 | Email: nasamampang@nasam.org

NASAM PENANG

No. 6, Lorong Midlands, George Town,
10250 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Tel: +604 229 8050 | Email: nasampenang@nasam.org

NASAM PERAK

No. 9, Lorong Pinji, Off Jalan Pasir Puteh, Taman Mayfair,
31560 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Tel: +605 321 1089 | Fax: +605 322 4759 | Email: nasamperak@nasam.org

NASAM MALACCA

No. 5132-C, Jalan Datuk Palembang, Bukit Baru,
75150 Melaka Darul Azim, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: +606 231 0177 | Email: nasammalacca@nasam.org

NASAM JOHOR

No. 59, Jalan Chendera, Serene Park,
80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia.
Tel: +607 223 0075 | Fax: +607 223 0076 | Email: nasamjohor@nasam.org

NASAM KUANTAN

No. A2134, Lorong Kubang Buaya 2, Taman Happy,
25250 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: +609 566 8195 | Email: nasamkuantan@nasam.org

NASAM SABAH

Kompleks Badan-Badan Sukarela,
Wisma Pandu Puteri, KM4, Jalan Tuaran,
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Tel: +6 088 261 568 | Email: nasamsabah@nasam.org

NASAM KEDAH

No. 69, Taman Putra,
Kampung Tunku Putra, 09000 Kulim,
Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Tel: +604 490 3479 | Email: nasamkedah@nasam.org



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