As many as one in five people in Galway will have a stroke at some time in their lives. A stroke which is a ‘brain attack’ - is to the brain, what a heart attack is to the heart, says local heart & stroke charity Croi, ahead of World Stroke Day on Thursday October 29.
“Stroke is one of the biggest causes of death and disability across the world” says Croi CEO Neil Johnson. “A stroke, which is a blood clot or bleed in the brain, can be fatal and cause death or cause irreversible damage to different parts of the brain which control for example, our speech, our thinking or our movement.
“Many causes of stroke are completely outside of our control, however, there are some causes which we can prevent, such as high blood pressure or untreated heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.
To mark World Stroke Day, Croi invites people to a free webinar on Thursday October 29 from 7pm – 8.30pm to learn more about stroke, stroke recovery and how to prevent one.
A panel of local medical and nursing experts will speak on the causes and signs and symptoms of a stroke while a local stroke survivor Norita Ní Chartúr, will share her experience of stroke, stroke recovery and living life after a stroke.
The event is supported by local company Surmodics (Ballinasloe ) who are corporate partners to the Croi Stroke Programmes & Supports.
Announcing details of the event, Mr Johnson says this is a great opportunity to learn more about stroke, its impact and most importantly the steps we can take to reduce our risk of a stroke.
“People usually think of a stroke as an older persons problem but unfortunately stroke has no respect for age or gender. In fact, we are increasingly seeing more cases or ‘young and working age’ strokes. The impact of a stroke can be devastating both for the survivor and their families.
“While incredible advances have been made in terms of stroke detection and stroke treatment, we have a long way to go in Ireland in terms of stroke recovery and rehabilitation post hospital discharge,” he said.
Guest speakers on the Croi World Stroke Day Webinar on October 29 are: Dr Niamh Hannon, Stroke Specialist, Galway University Hospital; Trish Galvin, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Stroke Care, Galway University Hospital; Ciara Breen, Senior Occupational Therapist, Galway University Hospital; and Norita Ní Chartúr, stroke survivor.
Registration for this Webinar, which is FREE, is now open at www.croi.ie/strokeday20
