Every Minute Counts

Today, October 29, is World Stroke Day. With the global theme "Every Minute Counts," there has never been a more critical time to educate ourselves. Did you know that 1 in 4 people will experience a stroke in their lifetime? Over 12 million people suffer a stroke each year, yet up to 90% of strokes are entirely preventable. Public education is our strongest tool to change these statistics. A stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to your brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in your brain bursts. When a stroke happens, brain cells begin to die in minutes. Understanding the different forms it can take is the first step in saving a life. The Main Types of Stroke. Ischemic Stroke: Making up about 85% to 87% of all cases, this is the most common type. It happens when a blood clot or fatty deposit blocks an artery carrying blood and vital oxygen to the brain Hemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, spilling blood into or around brain tissue and creating dangerous, damaging pressure on brain cells. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a "mini-stroke," this is a temporary blockage or reduction of blood flow to the brain. While it does not typically cause permanent damage, a TIA is a critical warning sign that a major stroke may happen soon. Critical Symptoms: Act FAST If you or someone you are with shows any of these signs, try to note the exact time the symptoms began and take action immediately: • Trouble speaking and understanding: Sudden confusion, slurred words, or an inability to understand speech. • Numbness, weakness, or paralysis: Sudden weakness in the face, arm, or leg—typically affecting just one side of the body. (For example, one arm drifts downward when raised, or one side of the mouth droops when smiling). • Problems seeing: Sudden blurry, blackened, or double vision in one or both eyes. • Sudden, severe headache: A blinding headache that may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, or a change in consciousness. • Trouble walking: Stumbling, dizziness, or a sudden loss of balance and coordination. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to come and go or if they go away completely. Act FAST. Stroke survival and recovery depend heavily on how quickly medical care is received. Because every minute counts, sharing this information isn't just about spreading awareness—it could literally save a life. Take a moment today to talk to your loved ones about the warning signs, share the FAST acronym on your social media, and join the global movement this World Stroke Day to ensure no one has to face a stroke unprepared. On this World Stroke Day let us use our various platforms to push for equitable access to stroke units, thrombolysis (clot-busting drugs), and mechanical thrombectomy procedures globally. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo ©