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World Stroke Day: One in six worldwide will suffer a stroke, say campaigners
29 October 2011
One in six people in the world will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. That's the message that campaigners from the World Stroke Organization (WSO) are promoting today, World Stroke Day.
Alongside this, however, is the message is that you can reduce your risk of a stroke (a disruption to the blood supply to the brain, which can cause lasting damage to brain tissue).
Some things you can do to prevent your risk of a stroke are:
- Stop smoking
- Cut down on how much alcohol you drink
- Eat a healthy diet (cut down on salt and fatty foods)
- Exercise regularly
- Have your blood pressure checked
Stroke is a medical emergency, so it is also vital to know the signs of a stroke, and to act quickly if someone displays them.
The main symptoms of stroke are
- physical problems in one side of the body (numbness, weakness),
- drooping in one side of the face,
- speech problems (slurred speech, muddled words) and
- visual problems (blurred vision, loss of vision).
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 999.
Further information on stroke
If you or someone you know has had a stroke, or if you would like more information, you may find the following resources useful:
- Fact sheets on Stroke, TIA and Spinal Strokes, plus other Brain and Spine resources
Visit our Stroke page for Brain and Spine Foundation stroke-related fact sheets, booklets, patient perspectives and more. - The Stroke Association (opens in new window)
Get detailed information on stroke, prevention and recovery, news and sources of support from this UK-wide charity. - World Stroke Day website (opens in new window)
Find out more about World Stroke Day and the research behind the "1 in 6" campaign
If you have any questions, or would like to speak to a neuroscience nurse about stroke, then you can also call the Brain and Spine Foundation Helpline free on 0808 808 1000, or email us at helpline@brainandspine.org.uk.
