Stroke in Saskatchewan

Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of stroke by calling 9-1-1 can significantly improve survival and recovery. If a person is diagnosed with a stroke caused by a blood clot, doctors can administer a clot-busting drug available only at designated hospitals, and only within a few crucial hours after symptoms begin.

Stroke Prevention & Risk Factors

You can't control your family history, age, gender or ethnicity. But luckily, you can do something about other factors that could increase your risk of having a stroke such as obesity, diet, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die. If the blood supply is not restored, the affected part of the brain dies, causing disability and death.

Help prevent a stroke by learning more about the risk factors you can do something about and those you can't control.  Click here for more information.

5 Warning Signs of Stroke:  If you experience any of these symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Weakness - Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary.
  • Trouble speaking - Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.
  • Vision problems - Sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary.
  • Headache - Sudden severe and unusual headache.
  • Dizziness - Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.

Read stories of incredible survivors.

Click here for June is Stroke Month PSAs, warning signs posters and downloadable ads.

Visit the new easy-to-search and smart-phone-friendly website: strokebestpractices.ca for a patient’s guide to optimal stroke care.

The 2010 Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care (PDF) emphasize the need to prevent stroke patients from falling through the cracks as they move from the ER to in-hospital care to rehabilitation therapy and back to the community. The adoption of these best practices will ensure stroke patients and families have rapid and seamless access to appropriate stroke services across the continuum and that they are well supported through these transitions.

Among new recommendations:

  • Blood pressure should be maintained at a level that is consistently lower than 140/90;
  • Resources Relating to Blood Pressure & Hypertension - the 'Slient Killer':
  • Because atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) increases stroke risk, patients with this condition should be closely monitored and the use of new drug therapies should be considered;
  • Patients who have a mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) should be referred immediately to a stroke specialist at a prevention clinic or to an emergency department due to increased risk of a major stroke.

  • Resources Relating to Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):

    • Heart and Stroke Foundation brochure: You've Had a TIA;
    • How to recognize prevent and treat a TIA or mini-stroke - Part 1 and 2
                   
  • There should be more widespread use of telestroke – long-distance video and data hookups – between stroke specialists and communities where on-site stroke care does not exist; and
  • Improved hospital discharge programs are needed, as well as better community services to enable people to return home sooner from hospital.

Stroke Survivor Programs and Support Groups in Saskatchewan (Includes Living With Stroke)

Caregiver Information and Support - Saskatoon - please visit www.saskatooncaregiver.ca

For additional Stroke Caregiver Support, please visit The Family Caregiver

Life After Stroke - Website

Other Resources:

The LINC Study

   The LINC Study is a national study to learn about people living with a neurological condition and its impact on their everyday lives.

   The LINC Study has 3 parts:

      1. A snapshot in time: an in-depth survey of 3500 people living in Canada
      2. A year in the life of 350 Canadians: a series of monthly conversations 
      3. Individual stories: a study of 18 people, their families and supporters

   For more information, click on the following links:  Letter of Invitation      Recruitment Flyer - English      Recruitment Flyer - French

   We really want to help build a “brain” community, and invite Canadians to participate in this first ever national study of neurological conditions. Your help is paramount in this effort.