Four common myths about Stroke
Myth 1
Strokes and heart attacks are the same
Truth
A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, causing it to stop working and eventually damage brain cells. Basically, it is a brain attack. Although stroke and heart attacks both involve the blood vessels, share some risk factors and can be caused by blood clots, the consequences are totally different. When they happen, their only similarity is the need for emergency treatment. Myth 2
Stroke can’t be prevented, there’s nothing you can do about it
Truth
Stroke is largely preventable. Early detection and effective control of stroke risk factors can greatly reduce the possibility of stroke. The number of people suffering stroke would be more than halved if all recommended risk reduction strategies were taken in the community. Myth 3
Stroke hits without warning
Truth
Mini-strokes (Transient Ischaemic Attacks or TIA) can happen prior to a stroke. These signs of stroke disappear within (minutes to hours), but should be seen as a clear warning that a more severe stroke might follow. Early medical attention and treatment can prevent this.Myth 4
Stroke only affects older people
Truth
Stroke affects all ages. In New Zealand each year, 40 stroke victims will be children and nearly 2,000 (a quarter of all strokes) will be under retirement age.
Stroke Foundation of N.Z. Inc (National office)
P O Box 12482
L1, Federation House
95-99 Molesworth Street
WELLINGTON
Tel: 04 472 8099
0800 STROKE (0800 78 76 53)
E-mail: strokenz@stroke.org.nz
© 2007 New Zealand Stroke Foundation Inc. All Rights Reserved.