Understanding Stroke & How to Act FAST
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Brain cells lose oxygen and glucose, begin to die, and permanent disability or death can occur. A stroke is always a medical emergency — early treatment saves brain function and improves recovery.
STROKES IN FIJI
- Stroke affects all ages, sexes, and ethnicities.
- Fiji has seen rising stroke cases over the last 40 years.
- 1 in 5 people will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
- 81% of people with cardiovascular disease will also have a stroke.
- Youngest recorded stroke patient in Fiji: 12 years old.
- At any time, around 2,000 people in Fiji are living with the effects of stroke.
Recovery outcomes:
- 30% need long‑term assistance
- 30% almost fully recover
- 40% regain independence with some support
WARNING SIGNS — ACT F.A.S.T.
F – Face: Does one side droop? Ask them to smile.
A – Arm: Is one arm weak? Ask them to raise both arms.
S – Speech: Is speech slurred or strange? Ask them to repeat a simple phrase (e.g., Vinaka vakalevu).
T – Time: Time is critical. Seek medical help immediately.
OTHER WARNING SIGNS (D.A.N.G.E.R.)
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Altered behavior or sudden anger
- Numbness or paralysis on one side
- Garbled speech or confusion
- Eye problems or double vision
- Reduced response to stimuli
Additional symptoms may include Difficulty swallowing and Sudden severe headache.
HOW A STROKE AFFECTS THE BODY
A stroke may impact:
- Speech
- Vision
- Memory
- Movement & strength
- Balance & walking
- Sensation
- Emotional control
- Bladder control
Effects may be short‑term, long‑term, or permanent.
WHO IS AT RISK?
The biggest risk factor is uncontrolled high blood pressure, which increases stroke risk 4–6 times. Hypertension can cause:
- Hardening of arteries
- Blocked blood vessels
- Weakening of blood vessel walls (leading to rupture)
REDUCING YOUR RISK (S.T.R.O.K.E.)
- See your doctor regularly; stop smoking
- Test for high blood pressure & diabetes
- Regularly take prescribed medication
- Opt for healthy eating & weight control
- Keep alcohol & yaqona intake moderate
- Exercise & manage stress
TYPES OF STROKES
Ischemic Stroke (80% of cases) – Caused by blood clots or plaque blocking blood flow to the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke – Caused by a ruptured blood vessel, often due to high blood pressure or aneurysm.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – A “mini‑stroke” with temporary symptoms. TIAs are serious warning signs and require urgent medical attention.
RECOVERY
Recovery depends on:
- The part of the brain affected
- How quickly treatment is received
- How closely medical advice is followed
WHO CAN HELP?
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Speech therapists
- Village Health Workers
- Counterstroke Fiji
Counterstroke Fiji – Qarase House, Brown Street, Suva
Phone: 3305 007
E: counterstrokefiji@connect.com.fj | W: Counterstroke Fiji