Stroke is caused by a sudden loss of blood supply to a part of the brain leading to a  rapid loss of millions of nerve cells. If not treated on time, the result could be long term disability or even death. Stroke is the leading cause of adult-onset neurological disability.

 

 

If you experience a sudden Face drooping, weakness of an Arm or a leg or a Speech difficulty; you could be having a stroke! There is treatment if you act on Time! So, always remember the letters of the word “FAST” to recognise a stroke FAST.

 

 

Do not delay bringing a stroke patient to immediate medical attention, because Time is Brain and Time lost is Brain lost! Go immediately to the closest hospital with facilities for acute stroke treatment. 

 

 

State hospitals capable of acute stroke treatment are present in all provinces and in almost all districts. Treatment is carried out in the Emergency Treatment Units (ETUs) of these hospitals. A regularly updated map with hospital locations can be found at https://asn.lk (maintained by the Association of Sri Lankan Neurologists).

 

 

Weakness of one side of the body, unsteadiness, loss of speech, difficulty in swallowing and loss of control of bladder and bowel could persist after a stroke. 

 

Rehabilitation by a multidisciplinary stroke team, preferably in a stroke unit helps to minimise complications and long-term disability. This needs regular engagement with a qualified team including a neurologist, a rehabilitation specialist, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nutritionists, psychologists and social workers.

 

 

There are only 9 stroke units and 3 rehabilitation hospitals in the country and these facilities are not available countrywide.

 

There are around 60,000 stroke admissions annually to state hospitals, but only 15% of these patients have access to stroke unit care. Therefore, more stroke units are needed to provide optimum care for these patients. The National Stroke Association of Sri Lanka has initiated a programme to provide equipment to selected state hospitals to start stroke units. The first stroke unit under this project was initiated at Anuradhapura Teaching hospital in March this year. The association depends on public donations for these projects which could be done through www.stroke.lk 

 

 

 

Caring for individuals with stroke can be a challenge. It takes time, energy and a great amount of patience. The entire family can be affected. You will spend extra time caring for them, limiting the time you have for yourself and rest of the family. 

 

You may feel overwhelmed and disheartened at times. Do not hesitate to seek help from a friend or family. Seek professional help from Psychiatrists or Counsellors. At difficult times this can make a real difference. Patient and care giver information can be downloaded from the National Stroke Association website at https://www.stroke.lk/publications/ 

 

 

After a stroke, attempting to get involved in your usual activities and doing things that make you happy, helps recovery. Individuals with stroke should be treated as people, family, friends or colleagues rather than as patients with stroke. 

 

So remember, stroke is not the end of life. Urgent medical treatment, good rehabilitation, a positive frame of mind will enable you or your loved ones to live a fulfilled life after stroke. 

Furthermore, patients and care givers should pay careful attention to continuing all medications prescribed for secondary prevention, even after a complete recovery because one in four stroke patients are at risk of developing recurrent stroke.