World Stroke Day, commemorated annually on 29 October, highlights the importance of stroke awareness worldwide. Dr Emile Bock, an emergency physician at Kirchberg Hospital, and neurologist Dr. Adrien Verstraete highlight just how critical each passing minute is. “For every minute after a stroke begins, 2 million neurons are lost”, says Dr Bock. “Our treatments are time-sensitive, and delays mean a higher risk of long-term disability.”
Stroke symptoms can hit suddenly. According to Chantal Keller, president of Blëtz, a non-profit supporting stroke awareness, “One moment you’re fine, and the next, you cant move your arm or speak.”
“Why are we called Blëtz? Well, because it strikes like lightning!”
Common symptoms include:
If you or someone around you shows any of these signs, don’t wait – call 112 right away.
Note the time the symptoms first appeared and, if possible, prepare a list of daily medications. Under no circumstances should you drive yourself to the hospital.
An ambulance will arrive quickly and alert the hospital’s specialised stroke unit, where a team of experts will be ready to start immediate treatment.
World Stroke Day: ‘Every day, four people in Luxembourg suffer a stroke’
