In terms of numbers, stroke today represents:
– the third cause of death in France (the second in the world) after myocardial infarction and cancers;
– the second cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease;
– the leading cause of acquired motor disability in adults.
There are 150,000 of them per year in France.
All ages are affected. Although the average age of onset of a stroke is 73 years (whatever the sex), there are in France each year, 15,000 men and women under 45 affected.
Symptoms of stroke
Stroke can have serious consequences. The objective of this day is therefore to teach the public to detect the symptoms of stroke and the reflexes essential to to have. Here they are :
– total or partial paralysis or muscle weakness of an arm, leg or face,
– violent headaches,
– vision disorders (double vision or loss of vision in one eye),
– loss of sensitivity (to contact, to heat, etc.),
– speech difficulties (poorly chosen words, poorly articulated),
– trouble with balance and walking.
How to react ? We must act and very quickly. Every minute counts to limit the consequences of stroke. Call 15 immediately. Hospitalization immediate allows the diagnosis to be confirmed and treatment to be started immediately, which will reduce brain damage
Sometimes these symptoms only last a few minutes and are therefore overlooked. However, they are nonetheless strong warning signs that require immediate medical care.
Good to know
The Paris Saint-Joseph hospital group in the 14th arrondissement of Paris invites the public to perform free screening for high blood pressure, which remains the main risk factor for stroke, followed by tobacco. Two lectures will be presented in the hospital grounds to inform individuals about stroke.
Friday October 29, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Groupe hospitalier Paris Saint-Joseph at 185, rue Raymond Losserand, 75014 Paris
Sources:
The stroke site http://www.attaquecerebrale.org/AVC
Site of Saint Joseph Hospital (Paris) http://www.hpsj.fr/
