World Stroke Day, October 29, 2009: Every Minute Counts!

Statistics

Cerebrovascular diseases are the third leading cause of death, but the leading cause of acquired disability in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In 2006, they accounted for 9% of all deaths. This means that approximately 4 strokes (Cerebrovascular Accidents, CVA) occur per day in Luxembourg. Of these four people, one will retain a permanent disability, and another will die within the following year.

The psychosocial consequences resulting from a loss of autonomy due to a stroke are considerable, including:

  • The need for home care or care in a facility

  • Loss of employment

  • Financial problems

  • Social isolation

  • Depression

  • Sexual problems, and more

Causes of Stroke

A stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident, CVA) is mainly caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that prevents blood from reaching the brain.

The most common cause is the buildup of fatty deposits (lipid deposits) on the inner walls of the blood vessels that supply the brain. These vessels narrow and lose their flexibility, a process known as atherosclerosis.

When partially blocked vessels become completely obstructed by a blood clot, they can no longer carry blood to the brain. As a result, part of the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to tissue damage: this is called a stroke or cerebral infarction.

Sometimes, a blood vessel in the brain may rupture, and the resulting bleeding damages brain tissue. This is called a cerebral hemorrhage, another form of stroke.

In cases of heart rhythm disorders, small blood clots can form in the heart and travel through the bloodstream to the brain. These small clots, also called emboli, can block a small cerebral artery, preventing it from supplying its designated area of the brain. This is called a cerebral embolism, a third form of stroke.

Signs of a Stroke

The most common symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness or paralysis of the face, an arm, or a leg, usually on one side of the body.

Other sudden symptoms may include:

  • Numbness or loss of sensation in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side

  • Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding speech

  • Vision problems in one or both eyes, or sudden double vision

  • Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

  • Severe headache of unknown cause

  • Fainting or loss of consciousness

The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain affected and the extent of the brain injury. A stroke may affect only part of the body, cause paralysis on one side, or, in severe cases, lead to sudden death.

How to React

If you notice someone showing signs of a stroke, act immediately: call 112 – every minute counts!

The most important factor in acute stroke treatment is rapid transfer to a specialized neurological hospital unit (Stroke Unit or Cerebrovascular Unit) that handles strokes exclusively. Such a unit is staffed by a dedicated, trained team of neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers.

If transfer to the Stroke Unit is rapid, thrombolysis can be performed by a specialized physician. Thrombolysis aims to dissolve blood clots blocking the arteries. If performed within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, it can minimize the extent of brain damage and preserve as much surrounding brain tissue as possible.

After acute treatment, to help the patient regain physical abilities and proper communication as quickly as possible, it is essential to:

  • Monitor neurological deficits

  • Initiate appropriate medical treatment

  • Diagnose biological and physiological disorders: blood sugar, blood pressure, lipid profile, heart rhythm, temperature, etc.

  • Begin early, tailored rehabilitation with a physiotherapist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist

Stroke Is an Emergency

Recognizing the signs in time saves lives and prevents severe disabilities.
Act immediately and call 112!

Prevention

Several lifestyle-related factors increase the risk of stroke:

  • Smoking

  • Poor diet

  • Lack of physical activity

These unhealthy habits can lead to serious health issues:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia, diabetes)

  • High blood lipid levels (hyperlipidemia)

These conditions are the main risk factors for stroke.

By living a healthy lifestyle from a young age, it is possible to prevent these risk factors from developing and ultimately causing a stroke.

Key steps for prevention include:

  • Quit smoking

  • Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day

  • Eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily

  • Limit salt intake to less than one teaspoon per day

  • Regularly check blood pressure

  • Monitor blood sugar levels

  • Maintain an ideal weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet

  • Consume alcohol in moderation

Information Tools

A multimedia campaign has been launched to inform the public and encourage behavior change toward healthier lifestyle habits.

The campaign promotes solidarity and life-saving actions:

  • Recognize the signs of a stroke

  • Call emergency services immediately by dialing 112

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