We Should Reduce Our Salt Intake
What are the warning signs for stroke?
A person can complain of reduced vision in one eye for a few minutes. It is also known as transient blindness. Persistent headache because of the increase in blood pressure and lack of appetite are all signs that an attack of stroke is coming. The signs may not be specific but they are just warning signs that something is about to happen.
But when a stroke thus happen the victims usually complain of weakness; being unable to raise one hand and one leg on the same side of the body. Or, the person may not be able to get up from bed. The person may also not be able to talk because the stroke has affected his speech centre.
What factors, in your view, inspire stroke?
Yes…There are a lot of risk factors for stroke. The risk of developing stroke is higher as one gets older. Excessive fat in the blood is a risk factor. Hypertension is the number one risk factor. Diabetes Mellitus is the second known factor.
Of what contributory effect is lack of rest to stroke?
Lack of rest may not really be a direct cause of stroke. When a person is not resting properly, or he is emotionally disturbed or worked up, or under intense pressure can lead to an increase in blood pressure. It is the blood pressure which is not properly controlled that can provoke an attack of stroke.
What of sleeplessness or insomnia?
Insomnia or sleeplessness contributes to stress on the body which can affect a person's productive activity. Insomnia can increase the blood pressure which can also lead to constant headache. So, the medical advice is for the patient to try to sleep very well and take his prescribed drugs regularly.
Can poor diet contribute to stroke?
Well… poor diet is not necessarily a direct cause of stroke. However, we need to modify the type of food we eat. We must reduce the high intake of salt and fatty foods. Fatty foods contribute to high cholesterol and excessive cholesterol contributes to stroke.
What sort of treatment would you recommend to a person who has suffered stroke?
The first thing is to get the patient’s medical history. It is important to find out whether the person is hypertensive or diabetic which are modifiable causes. If he has any of these which have not been properly controlled, then the person should be placed on drugs to control these conditions. His rehabilitation programme also require a physiotherapist who will place him on moderate exercises.
Do you believe that there are herbal remedies for stroke?
Well… I have heard that, but I haven't had a personal experience. I have not had the opportunity of meeting someone physically, or one-to-one, who had stroke and was successfully treated with herbal medicine. But I think there should be herbal remedies for stroke because researches are ongoing. I personally think herbal medicine will have a role to play.
Dr. Irauyah Kelly, IRRUA Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State