From the Editor
Our cover this week is Stroke, also known as Brain Attack, or cerebrovascular accident. Stroke causes the death of brain tissue resulting from lack of blood flow and insufficient oxygen to the brain.
More than 2400 years ago the father of medicine, Hipocrates, recognized and described stroke as the sudden onset of paralysis. In ancient times stroke or brain attack was called apoplexy, a general term applied to anyone suddenly stuck down with paralysis. Until recently, modern medicine has had very little power over this disease, but the world of stroke medicine is changing and new and better therapies and diagnostic procedures are being developed everyday around the world.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the part of the brain is suddenly interrupted (ischemic) or when a blood vessel in the brain burst, spilling blood in to the spaces surrounding the brain cells (haemorrhagic). The symptoms of strokes are sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking; dizziness; or loss of balance or coordination.Administration of clot busters (TPA) can be used if ischemic stroke is diagnosed early. This may restore perfusion of the brain. Associated high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol control is essential and to be done by diet and medication.
Rehabilitation aims to get the patient to be independent in his daily activities and physical,occupational medicine would be of use.
