1 Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
2 Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
3 Department of Economics, Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos, Nigeria.
4 Department of Microbiology, Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Nigeria.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2019, 03(02), 091-100
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2019.3.2.0045
Received on 18 August 2019; revised on 21 September 2019; accepted on 25 September 2019
Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), remains one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term neurological disability worldwide. It is generally characterised by the sudden loss of blood flow to the brain and results in irreversible brain damage if not treated promptly. Early recognition of stroke symptoms is paramount, as timely medical intervention can drastically reduce complications and improve recovery outcomes. The widely known F.A.S.T. acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to act) aids in identifying common signs, but subtler symptoms like numbness, dizziness, and vision changes may also serve as critical early warnings. This paper explores the various types of strokes—ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attacks (TIA)—and discusses their underlying causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Emphasis is placed on the importance of managing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, alongside lifestyle modifications for stroke prevention. This paper concludes with recommendations emphasising public awareness and encouraging immediate action upon recognising symptoms, underscoring the potential to reduce the global burden of strokes and improve patient outcomes.
Stroke; Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA); Ischemic Stroke; Hemorrhagic Stroke; Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA); F.A.S.T
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Taiwo Akindahunsi, Olusola Olabisi Ogunseye, Olumayowa Adeleke Idowu and Tobi Ayomide Lawal. Early signs of stroke: How your body warns you. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2019, 3(2), 091-100. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2019.3.2.0045