5 ways to give first aid to diabetics with stroke at home

In Vietnam, more than 200,000 people suffer from strokes each year. However, diabetes increases the risk of stroke by 3 times. Therefore, it is extremely necessary for families with relatives with diabetes to understand the early signs of stroke and some basic first aid skills.

Diabetics are at high risk of stroke.

According to Professor Pham Gia Khai - Former Director of Vietnam Heart Institute - Former President of Vietnam Cardiology Association: High blood sugar in diabetes increases cholesterol deposition in the blood vessel wall, thereby increasing atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessel wall, reducing the elasticity of blood vessels.

On the other hand, long-term high blood sugar can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels, which over time can narrow the lumen of the blood vessels, causing blockage of blood vessels and stopping circulation. When the blood vessels in the brain are blocked, it will lead to stroke and cerebral infarction. The part of the brain that is not nourished will be damaged, causing the part of the body controlled by that part of the brain to become paralyzed.

In Vietnam, every year more than 200,000 people suffer from stroke (cerebrovascular accident), more than 50% of them die and 90% of stroke survivors have to live with sequelae such as hemiplegia, movement disorders, loss of consciousness, and even have to live a vegetative life.

In winter, the number of stroke patients increases.

According to medical experts, in winter, the number of stroke patients will increase by 10-15% compared to normal days. In patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, this condition is even more dangerous because the risk of stroke can double.

However, most patients who come to the emergency room do not receive proper first aid. More heartbreakingly, many cases of patients' hearts stop beating before reaching the hospital. Therefore, families of the elderly, especially those with diabetes, need to master the early signs of stroke detection and some basic first aid skills.

Early signs of stroke and basic first aid skills

According to Professor Khai, the golden time to take stroke patients to specialized medical facilities is as soon as possible, preferably within the first 4 hours from when the patient shows the following signs:

Sudden coma or confusion, disturbance of perception, loss of consciousness, loss of balance.

Sudden difficulty speaking or slurred speech, crooked mouth.

Visual disturbances in one or both eyes such as dark vision, blurred vision, double vision, blindness

Numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body.

Unsteady gait, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

Severe headache.

Need to call emergency immediately when diabetic shows signs of stroke

While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, the patient's family should give first aid to the patient in the following steps:

Gently fix the patient's head and neck in a comfortable position, loosen clothing, do not lift the patient, and minimize movement of the patient.

Give artificial respiration if the patient stops breathing.

If there are signs of convulsions, place a towel wrapped around a spoon between the patient's teeth to prevent biting the tongue.

Clear the airway by wiping or suctioning if the patient has a lot of secretions.

Tilt the patient to one side so that fluid does not fill the respiratory tract. If paralyzed, place the patient on his side so that the paralyzed side is above and the healthy side is below.

If they are still conscious, reassure and encourage them, remind them to take deep breaths and breathe slowly.

Do not scrape or massage the patient.

According to VNN