Stroke is a form of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries within and leading to the brain. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can happen when a blood vessel breaks or a blood clot blocks an artery. The result is that the brain does not receive the blood it requires and brain cells begin to die, which can lead to brain damage. The abilities controlled by the area of brain that is damaged can be lost. These abilities generally include memory, speech and movement.

Three common types of stroke are:

Ischemic stroke are caused when an obstruction occurs within a blood vessel which supplies blood to the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs as a result of a vessel that ruptures and consequently bleeds into the surrounding brain.

Transient ischemic attacks occur when an obstruction is present for a short time but is resolved naturally.

The warning signs of a stroke can include:

• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing any one of these symptoms do not delay in immediately calling your local emergency medical service.

You can reduce your risk of suffering a stroke through a number of lifestyle changes. If you drink alcohol you should only do so in moderation. Smoking increases the risk, so stopping smoking can immediately reduce your risk. High blood pressure is a major cause of stroke, so check your blood pressure regularly. Ensure that you exercise daily and maintain a balanced diet with particular emphasis on reducing the salt and fat content of your diet.

For Hemorrhagic stroke an obstruction is introduced to prevent bleeding and rupture of aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. The surgical treatment involves either removing an arteriovenous malformation or placing a metal clip at the base of the aneurysm. Alternatively a coil can be deposited in the aneurysm via a major artery in the arm or leg to prevent rupture. This is called an endovascular procedure.

Generally the most effective treatment for Ischemic stroke is the administration of a clot busting drug. The drug is only effective within three hours of the onset of stroke. Unfortunately only a small proportion of stroke sufferers arrive at the hospital in time to receive this drug. Alternatively implantable steel screens and balloon angioplasty are often used by doctors to reduce fatty build up clogging the vessel. Another procedure is to surgically remove the blood vessel blockage from the carotid artery. This procedure is called carotid endarterectomy.

Rehabilitation starts in the hospital as soon as possible after a stroke and is an essential component of recovery. The aim of the rehabilitation is to aid the independence of the individual through relearning skills such as eating, walking and speaking.

In the unfortunate event where by an individual suffers a stroke, a lengthy stay in hospital can be expected. The costs associated with such a stay and perhaps intensive care treatment can be very high. Recovery from a stroke can also require long term rehabilitation including physiotherapy and specialist consultations. An overseas health insurance plan can provide cover for such eventualities. The plans are guaranteed renewable meaning that you have the option to retain your policy for life. Costs including hospital accommodation, physiotherapy, surgical fees and diagnostic tests are all generally covered in an overseas health insurance plan. Policies can also include medical evacuation, allowing the insured to be evacuated to the nearest appropriate medical centre in the situation whereby necessary treatment is not available locally. Having health cover for such eventualities is very important and can save the individual from high medical costs in the future. To discuss your international health insurance requirements further please contact our consultants.