Health professionals have termed stroke, which is caused by the blockade of blood vessels supplying the vital end organ the brain, as 'silent killer' and the second largest cause of severe disability in the country. They called for raising prevention and awareness of the disease so as to check surge of the disease. According to them, when stroke hits, time lost is brain lost.
The faster we get help, the better off we are. It is critical for people of all ages to recognise the warning signs and sought medical help immediately upon experiencing any sign of al stroke. They said that people suffering from ailments like high blood pressure and glucose were at a greater risk. Poor dietary habits were playing a major role in causing a stroke.
They identified sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body; confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; trouble seeing with one or both eyes; troubles walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and severe headache with no known cause as major warning signs of stroke. They were of the view that many of the risk factors, including blood pressure, tobacco, diabetes, high cholesterol, excessive use of alcohol and physical inactivity could be eliminated or at least controlled with healthy lifestyle.