Stroke: 'Golden time', proper first aid

Stroke is a medical emergency. Missing the 'golden time' for treatment can lead to death or lifelong disability.

Timely emergency, proper first aid

Dr. Le Nhat Duy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, said that according to the European Stroke Association and the World Stroke Organization (WSO), the "golden time" to treat a stroke victim is within the first 3-4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms. "During this time, doctors can use thrombolytic drugs to help reopen blocked blood vessels in cases of cerebral infarction, or intervene to stop bleeding in cases of cerebral hemorrhage. If left longer, the patient's chance of recovery will decrease rapidly, and the risk of permanent disability will even increase," said Dr. Nhat Duy.

The golden time for optimal stroke treatment is the first 3-4.5 hours - PHOTO: AI

According to Dr. Nhat Duy, the most important thing when discovering someone having a stroke is to call an ambulance immediately. While waiting for an ambulance, people can do the following:

• Place the patient on one side (if vomiting) to avoid choking on vomit into the lungs.
• Keep the airway clear.
• Loosen clothing, do not let the patient freeze.
• Observing and remembering when the first symptoms appeared is very important for the doctor to decide on treatment.
• Do not give the patient anything to eat or drink.
• Do not give the patient any medication without permission, including blood pressure medication or over-the-counter medications. This can be dangerous, make the condition worse, or cause choking.
• Do not move the patient by motorbike or try to drive yourself to the hospital - this can easily aggravate brain damage.

Proactive stroke prevention

To prevent stroke, especially in young people today, can start simply by changing lifestyle.

Proper nutrition : Reduce salt, increase fiber and green vegetables, limit fast food and animal fat.

Exercise moderately for at least 150 minutes/week and maintain an ideal weight to prevent stroke - Photo: AI

Regular physical activity : Exercise moderately for at least 150 minutes/week, maintain ideal weight.

Control bad habits : Limit alcohol, stop smoking, avoid stress.

Control other diseases : When there are underlying diseases with complications causing stroke such as high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease..., it is necessary to comply with treatment according to the doctor's instructions.

People without underlying diseases also need to have regular health check-ups every 6 months to detect early and control risk factors for disease, if any.

According to Dr. Nhat Duy, besides modern medicine, traditional medicine can also help prevent stroke by regulating internal organs, balancing yin and yang and circulating blood.

However, this method plays a supportive role, improving physical condition and should be combined; it does not replace the treatment regimen of modern medicine for diagnosed underlying diseases.

Some medicinal herbs can be used as tea or daily medicinal dishes to support blood circulation, calm the mind and stabilize body indexes:

Salvia miltiorrhiza : Promotes blood circulation, clears blood stasis, clears blood vessels, improves blood circulation.

Panax notoginseng : Not only has the effect of enriching blood, but also helps dissolve small blood clots, good for the cardiovascular system.

Sophora japonica flower : Contains a lot of rutin, strengthens blood vessel walls, reduces the risk of blood vessel rupture, especially good for people with high blood pressure.

Hawthorn : Helps with digestion, eliminates toxins, supports lowering blood fat and stabilizes blood pressure at a mild level.

Uncaria rhynchophylla : Calms the liver, relieves rheumatism, calms the nerves, helps reduce symptoms of headache, dizziness, and vertigo due to excess liver yang.

“It should be noted that any intervention using traditional medicine herbs needs to be examined and consulted by specialized traditional medicine doctors to ensure safety and effectiveness,” Dr. Nhat Duy emphasized.

Doctor Nhat Duy pointed out a few acupuncture points that people can massage and acupressure at home to help blood circulation:

Hegu point : Located at the highest point of the muscle between the index finger and thumb. Pressing this point helps clear the meridians in the head and face area.

Stomach 36 acupoint: Measure down 4 fingers (3 inches) from the outer hollow of the kneecap. Pressing this acupoint helps strengthen the spleen and stomach, replenish blood and qi, and improve overall body resistance.

Taichong acupoint: Located on the instep of the foot, measure up 2 inches from the space between the first and second toes. This is the origin point of the liver meridian. Pressing and pressing helps to reduce heat and relieve stress.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dot-quy-thoi-gian-vang-so-cap-cuu-dung-cach-185250704003532604.htm