Former President Sir Ellis Clarke is expected to remain at the Intensive Care Unit at West Shore Medical, Cocorite this weekend as he recovers from a stroke on Wednesday morning. Sir Ellis' son Peter disclosed that in a brief interview with the Guardian yesterday. He said Sir Ellis was alone at his Federation Park residence when he called family members, complaining of not feeling well. Peter said the doctor was alerted and Sir Ellis was taken for medical attention.
He said Sir Ellis is in the care of Drs Winston Ince and Ron Henry. Several tests have been conducted and are being assessed. He said only close family members have been visiting Sir Ellis because of his condition. He said Sir Ellis was being fed and was aware of his environment. Peter said Sir Ellis is being advised to take it easy. "He is coming along slowly," he added.
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Prompt treatment crucial with stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is crucial and early action can minimise brain damage and potential complications. There are two chief types of stroke. The most common type–ischemic stroke–results from blockage in an artery. The other type–hemorrhagic stroke–occurs when a blood vessel leaks or bursts. A transient ischemic attack (TIA)–sometimes called a mini-stroke–temporarily disrupts blood flow through the brain.
Almost 90 per cent of strokes are ischemic strokes. They occur when the arteries to the brain are narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow (ischemia). Lack of blood flow deprives the brain cells of oxygen and nutrients and cells may begin to die within minutes. Hemorrhage is the medical term for bleeding. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Brain hemorrhages can result from a number of conditions that affect the patient's blood vessels, including uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) and weak spots in the blood vessel walls (aneurysms). A less common cause of hemorrhage is the rupture of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)–an abnormal tangle of thin-walled blood vessels, present at birth.
Stroke care focuses on helping the patient regain strength, recover as much function as possible and return to independent living. The impact of a stroke depends on the area of the brain involved and the amount of tissue damaged. Harm to the right side of the brain may affect movement and sensation on the left side of the body. Damage to brain tissue on the left side may affect movement on the right side; this damage also may cause speech and language disorders. In addition, someone who has had a stroke, may have problems with breathing, swallowing, balancing and hearing. They also may experience loss of vision, bladder or bowel functions.