Page 28 - Healthy food
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THE FAST TEST Getting diagnosed thrombolysis, where a wire is
and treated threaded up the femoral artery in
Memorise the word ‘fast’ Professor Watkins says her most the groin all the way to the clot,
to help you spot the important advice is not to delay in delivering clot-busting drugs at
three most common seeking treatment. ‘Don’t wait the site. Thrombectomy, where a
24 hours to see your GP – dial mesh-like device is inserted into
signs of a TIA or stroke:
999 if you suspect a TIA or stroke. an artery to pull out the clot, may
You need to get to hospital for be performed if the clot is in a
assessment as soon as possible.’ large artery.
If a full-blown stroke is The Stroke Association says
suspected, you’ll have a CT unless your stroke has been caused
or MRI scan to exclude a by a bleed, it’s likely you’ll be given
haemorraghic stroke aspirin or an alternative anti-clot
BEING ON THE (bleed on the drug as soon as possible, and
CONTRACEPTIVE PILL brain). Once this certainly within 24 hours of being
ACE Can the person or suffering from migraine has been ruled diagnosed.This stops clots forming,
smile? Has their face with aura puts you at out, you can be helping to prevent another stroke.
Ffallen on one side? increased risk of stroke. So, treated using
too, do obstructive thrombolysis, Getting over a stroke
sleep apnoea and chronic where intravenous Experts say TIAs should leave no
kidney disease. drugs are used to long-term effects, except possibly
dissolve the clot anxiety about having another
(although to be stroke. But the lasting effects of
effective these must be a stroke can include short- or
given within four and a half hours long-term muscle weakness, such
of the onset of symptoms). as foot drop (where your toes
‘Not everyone is suitable for catch on the ground when you
RMS Can the person clot-busting treatment, including walk), post-stroke fatigue and
those who don’t know when their problems with speech, reading
raise both arms and WORDS: JO WATERS. PHOTOS: GETTY, ISTOCK
symptoms started or who have and understanding. Symptoms
A keep them there? had recent surgery or head injury can improve with rehabilitation in
or have a bleeding disorder,’ most cases, however. For more
says Professor Watkins. Other information and advice see
treatments include intra-arterial stroke.org.uk/bhf.org.uk
slur
PEECH Can the person
speak clearly and
Sunderstand what you
say? Is their speech slurred?
IME If you see any
of these signs, call
T999 immediately.
28 HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE FEBRUARY 2018
