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Stroke: Pharmacists’ Module 2, 2017
Stroke is the third most common cause of disability and the second most common cause of death worldwide. Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death in South Africa. A stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when an artery to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, resulting in death of an area of brain tissue due to loss of its blood supply.
Most strokes are ischaemic (lack of blood due to blockage of an artery), but some are haemorrhagic (due to rupture of an artery). Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) resemble ischaemic strokes except that no permanent brain damage occurs and symptoms typically resolve within 1 hour.
Stroke is also referred to as a ‘brain attack’ because it damages the brain similarly to how a heart attack damages the heart. The brain needs a constant blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients. When the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, even for a few minutes, it results in a stroke. Which part of the brain is affected, and for how long, will determine the devastating effects of the stroke.
This Module discusses stroke and the importance of acting quickly if it is suspected that someone is having a stroke.
