More than half of respondents in a survey had little knowledge about the causes of strokes and the “golden three-hour window” for proper treatment, the Taipei Post-stroke Patients Rehabilitation Association said yesterday.
According to the survey, which was conducted last month, 50.9 percent of respondents do not have a clear understanding of strokes, although 21 percent of those above the age of 30 have suffered symptoms that may be linked to transient ischemic attacks.
More than 31 percent of those polled had no idea what causes strokes.
While the majority of respondents (63.1 percent) knew that hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to a stroke, only 33.2 percent, 30.8 percent and 18.3 percent respectively knew that diabetes, hyperlipemia and heart disease can cause strokes.
Wong Wen-chang (翁文章), attending physician at Taipei Veterans General Hospital’s neurovascular diseases division, cautioned the public on the matter.
“Most Taiwanese assume winter is the only season when strokes occur, but acute cerebral infraction — a stroke with a higher rate of incidence during cold weather — is only one of two main categories of strokes,” Wong said.
Most stroke patients suffer hemorrhagic strokes, Wong said, adding that hemorrhagic strokes account for 70 percent of all cases.
Aside from a numbness in the hands and feet, Wong said, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision or even impotence are all cause for concern as they could be symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke.
The survey found that most people have heard of transient ischemic attacks, whose symptoms include loss of muscle control in the face, slurred speech, numbness on one side or both sides of the body, difficulty swallowing or headaches.
Wong urged those who have experienced such attacks to get proper medical treatment, as failing to do so can increase the chances of getting a stroke four or five times.
The golden three-hour window for stroke treatment is crucial, Wong said.
“Stroke patients should arrive at the hospital within the first two hours after the stroke and receive treatment within three hours of stroke symptoms,” he added.
Wong said that as most stroke patients develop depression following the potentially disabling disease, family support is extremely important for their psychological health.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday expressed “shock and regret” over a statement issued by his wife without his consent, and rejected her assertion that his eldest sister, Ma Yi-nan (馬以南), would manage his medical care or act as his spokesperson amid an ongoing embezzlement probe into his foundation. Ma Ying-jeou in a statement said he was shocked by a statement by his wife, Chou Mei-ching (周美青), regarding his affairs. Ma Yi-nan “must not” be in charge of his healthcare and other personal affairs, nor can she be allowed to represent the Ma family, the former president said. He said he was also
RSS