Answer:
A stroke is a brain attack – a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain causing it to stop working and eventually damaging brain cells. The effects can be devastating and may last a lifetime.
Here are some facts from The Stroke Foundation NZ:
- Stroke is New Zealand’s second single biggest killer and a leading cause of serious adult disability.
- Over 9,500 strokes are experienced every year – that’s one every 55 minutes.
- Strokes can affect people at any age. 25–30% of strokes are experienced by people under the age of 65 years.
- The number of people experiencing a stroke will rise by 40% by 2028.
- Over 75% of strokes are preventable, meaning the number of people suffering a stroke would be reduced by 3/4 if all recommended risk reduction strategies were taken in the community.
- High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.
- One in five New Zealanders experience high blood pressure. Recent research estimates a third of these people don’t know it as high blood pressure often has no symptoms. Reducing your blood pressure can greatly reduce stroke risk.
- Transient Ischaemic Attacks or TIAs (mini-strokes) can happen prior to a stroke. These signs of stroke disappear within minutes or hours but should be seen as a clear warning that a more severe stroke might follow. Early medical attention and treatment can prevent this. There is nothing trivial about a so-called ‘mini-stroke’ – seek medical help immediately.
- Stroke is a medical emergency, and at any sign of a stroke, call 111 immediately.
Stay tuned for the next question….
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Currently, there are temporary changes to the steps to be followed in resuscitation. These can be found in the video below or by clicking here to see the New Zealand Resuscitation Council temporary guideline recommendation.
Click the link to go to the New Zealand Resuscitation Council Covid-19 recommended modifications for delivering resuscitation whilst the pandemic remains a threat. Click play to see a short video outlining CPR modifications that should be followed during the pandemic.
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Acknowledgement
Data and information are fact-checked against various recognised sources, including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Health Navigator New Zealand, St John, and other recognised entities specialising in the specific subject content. It should be noted that variances in protocols exist and where necessary are identified.