World Stroke Day is an annual observance held on October 29th to raise awareness about stroke, a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The day aims to educate people about the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke, understanding the risk factors, and promoting prevention and timely treatment.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and each year over 12 million people have strokes. But there is hope. Up to 90% of strokes are preventable and by addressing a small number of those risk factors responsible for most strokes, the theme for World Stroke Day this year is ‘#GreaterThan stroke.’

The World Stroke Organization (WSO) and various health organizations, including governments and non-governmental organizations, play a crucial role in organizing events, campaigns, and educational activities to mark this day and address the global burden of stroke. The ultimate goal of World Stroke Day is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial because early intervention can greatly improve the chances of recovery and reduce potential disability. To help identify a stroke, you can use the ‘FAST’ acronym:

Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of their face drooping or numb? If their smile is uneven, it could be a sign of a stroke.

Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward, or are they unable to raise one arm fully? This could indicate arm weakness.

Speech difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are they slurring their words, unable to speak clearly, or having trouble understanding you? Speech difficulties are common in stroke victims.

Time to call emergency: If you observe any of these signs or suspect someone might be having a stroke, don’t wait. Time is critical in stroke care. Call emergency services immediately. In many places, dialling 911 is the quickest way to get help.

In addition to the FAST acronym, it’s important to be aware of other common signs and symptoms of a stroke, which may include:

·        Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause.

·        Sudden trouble with vision in one or both eyes.

·        Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking.

·        Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

·        Confusion, trouble understanding speech, or difficulty speaking.

·        Trouble swallowing.

Remember that not all stroke symptoms may be present, and they can vary from person to person.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, seek immediate medical attention, even if the symptoms are mild or transient. Time is of the essence, as prompt treatment with medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or mechanical thrombectomy can help restore blood flow to the brain and minimize damage.