From September 14 – 18, National Stroke Week is celebrated to create awareness of the stroke illness. The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA urges all South Africans to be aware of the symptoms of a stroke. Approximately 60 people die every day in our country as a result of strokes! But the good news is, a stroke doesn’t have to be a death sentence – the recovery rate is high, but rehabilitation is important.

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when blood going to the brain, through the arteries, is stopped.  Blood may be obstructed from moving through an artery because it is blocked by a blood clot or because the artery breaks or bursts. According to Director of Nutrition and Education, Shân Biesman-Simons, the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA, the most important thing is to recognize the early signs of stroke and get emergency help immediately. "Many stroke survivors can look back and see that there were some early warning signs,” said Shân.  

Knowing the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical help can improve the outcome of the stroke. The symptoms of stroke appear suddenly and often there is more than one symptom at the same time.

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