According to the World Health Organization’s 2021 Health Data Report on the Philippines*, Stroke is the second top causes of death in Filipinos after Ischemic Heart Disease. Not only does it cause mortality, but stroke also causes long-term disability such as paralysis or permanent physical weakness, memory loss, and speech impediments.
What makes stroke even more dangerous is how often it can be missed, misunderstood, or ignored, especially when the symptoms seem mild. Many Filipinos would brush off symptoms or warning signs saying, “pagod lang ‘to”, “nahilo lang”,or “stress lang ‘yan”. However, if these symptoms are caught and treated earlier or faster, a better outcome can be achieved and further damage can be prevented.
If you are in your 40s or 50s, if you are caring for aging parents, or you know you don’t have the best lifestyle, this guide could possibly save a life, possibly even your own.
What is a Stroke?
A Stroke, also called a Brain Attack or Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), happens when the flow of blood to a part of your brain is interrupted, either blocked or reduced, or when a blood vessel bursts, causing your brain cells to become damaged or die.
Stroke is ALWAYS a medical emergency. Fast treatment can reduce brain damage, disability, and even death.
What are the types of stroke?
Ischemic Stroke
An Ischemic Stroke is a type of Stroke that is caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain. It is the most common type of Stroke, accounting for around 70% of stroke cases in the Philippines**, and around 80% of stroke cases globally. It is often linked to having high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol levels. It can cause permanent brain damage, disability, or death.
Thrombotic Stroke – a blood clot develops inside the blood vessels in the brain
Embolic Stroke – a blood clot forms somewhere else in the body and moves up and into the blood vessels in the brain
Transient Ischemic Attack (Mild Stroke)
A Mild Stroke, also known as Mini Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also happens when the blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked. The difference with a full blown stroke is that this does not cause permanent brain damage. Its symptoms also last for only a few minutes or hours then disappear completely. This often leads people to believe that they are now as good as ever and that the problem has passed.
A mild stroke is never harmless. It is a serious warning that a major stroke may happen soon if not treated right away.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A Hemorrhagic Stroke is a type of Stroke caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured or burst blood vessel. It is less common than Ischemic Strokes and accounts for around 30% of stroke cases in the Philippines, and less than 20% globally. However, this type of Stroke is more fatal. Aside from the brain cells not getting enough oxygen and dying, it also causes pressure to build up which causes brain damage due to the irritation and swelling.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage – the bleeding comes from the blood vessels in the brain.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage – the bleeding is on the surface of the brain, between the brain and the membrane that covers it.
It is highly important that someone experiencing symptoms of stroke goes to the emergency room right away as doctors need to identify which kind of stroke it is in order to quickly give the correct treatment and avoid permanent brain damage.
Why Mild Stroke Should Never Be Ignored
- Up to 1 in 3 people who experience TIA or Mild Stroke will have a major stroke within one year.
- Brain damage can still happen even if symptoms seem to be resolved
- Early treatment can prevent permanent disability or death
In the Philippines, delayed consultation after a mild stroke is one of the biggest reasons that stroke outcomes are worse than in many other countries. Filipinos are resilient, but that should not hinder us from seeking the right medical care when we need it.
| The BEFAST Warning Signs Everyone Should Know |
|---|
| BEFAST is a simple and easy way to quickly recognize stroke symptoms early. Remembering this acronym can save a life! Balance – Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking (biglaang pagkawala ng balanse, pagkahilo, o hirap sapaglalakad) Eyes – Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss in one or both eyes (biglaang pagkalabo ng paningin, pagdodoble ng paningin, o pagkawala ng paningin sa isa o parehong mata) Face – One side of the face droops when smiling (paglaylay ng isang bahagi ng mukha kapag nakangiti) Arms – Weakness or numbness in one arm or leg, or struggling to raise both arms evenly (panghihina o pamamanhid ng isang braso o binti o hirap sa pantay na pagtaas ng parehong braso) Speech – Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding words (malabong pananalita, hirap sapananalita, o hirap sa pagintindi) Time – About 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. That’s 33,000 brain cells per second. Every second is a lifeline. Rush to the nearest hospital or call emergency services immediately. |
| For emergency services in Laguna, you may call the Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center Emergency Hotline: +6302 8898 9700 |
What Are the Signs of Stroke in Men and Women?
Many stroke symptoms are the same for both men and women. However, women may experience additional symptoms that are often overlooked or written off as another physical or mental problem.
Common Stroke Symptoms
- Sudden weakness and numbness of the face, arm, or leg (panghihina o pamamanhid ng mukha, braso, o binti)
- Confusion or difficulty speaking (pagkalito o kahirapan sa pagsasalita)
- Vision problems (problema sa paningin)
- Severe headache with no clear cause (matinding sakit ng ulo na walang malinaw na dahilan)
Additional Stroke Symptoms More Common in Women
- Sudden nausea or vomiting (biglaang pagduduwal o pagsusuka)
- Shortness of breath (kinakapos sa paghinga)
- Chest pain (pananakit ng dibdib)
- Extreme fatigue (matinding pagkapagod)
- Fainting or hiccups (pagkahimatay o pagsinok)
As we can see, these symptoms are typically not related to stroke. This is why women often delay seeking help, leading to worse outcomes.
Stroke First Aid: What You Can Do Immediately
Knowing what to do during a stroke can save a life, even yours.
The DOs
- DO NOT PANIC. We know it can be scary, but panicking will not help anyone.
- Do call emergency services right away.
- Do take note of what time the symptoms started, even if just an estimate.
- Do keep the person awake and comfortable.
- Do loosen tight clothing.
The DON’Ts
- Don’t give food, drinks, or medication.
- Don’t wait for symptoms to improve.
- Don’t let the person sleep.
The most important thing is to make sure that the patient is brought to a hospital with stroke imaging and neurology services, like Unihealth Southwoods Hospital, that is fully equipped to handle emergencies such as this.
Emergency Treatment For Stroke
Unihealth Southwoods has state-of-the-art equipment to handle critical imaging treatment for strokes such as 128 Slice CT Scan and MRI.
Stroke treatment depends on how fast the patient reaches the hospital and the type of stroke involved. Here are some imaging tests used to identify the type of stroke to provide the right kind of treatment:
Brain CT-Scan
A Brain CT-Scan is an incredibly fast way to rule out a hemorrhagic stroke (brain bleed). If the CT-Scan shows blood, it lets the doctors know not to give drugs that can break down or dissolve blood clots which can make the bleeding worse and could be fatal. If there is no blood, the doctors can get the green light to start treatments with “clot-busting” drugs.
Doctors can also request for a CT Angiography to help map where the stroke treatment should be.
Brain MRI Scan
A Brain MRI Scan is a more detailed way to see changes in the brain tissue that can help catch an Ischemic Stroke early or changes that a CT Scan may miss in the first few hours. A Brain MRI Scan can locate the exact position of the stroke or identify any tumors or migraines that may mimic stroke symptoms. It can also tell doctors whether the brain tissue is newly damaged or injured, meaning they can still be saved, or if the damage is old.
These imaging tests are all available at Unihealth Southwoods Hospital, guiding our expert neurologists in deciding which procedures and treatments are the safest and most effective to administer.
Recovery After a Stroke
Surviving a stroke is only the first step. Rehabilitation plays a big role in long-term recovery. USHMC has a fully equipped Rehabilitation Medicine Department that can provide various Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services to help our stroke patients recover well and take their life back.
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Exercise and Neuromuscular Re-education help restore strength, balance, and mobility. It reduces the risk of falls and complications for patients, which also prevents further injuries.
Occupational Therapy
Activities of Daily Living Exercise (ADLs), Gross/Fine Motor Skills Exercise, Dysphagia Management, and Neuro-developmental Techniques are available therapies for our patients who may need to relearn basic tasks such as writing, cooking, walking, balancing, or even sit and stand. They improve speech, movement, swallowing, and comprehension.
Starting rehabilitation early leads to better outcomes, better health, and better life.
Recommended Diet for Stroke Patients
Unihealth Southwoods has qualified dietitians who can provide dietary advice to stroke patients.
For stroke patients to recover well, proper nutrition is very important as it supports brain healing and helps prevent another stroke from happening. Foods that are low in sodium and high in fiber, such as those that are used for the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) are perfect for stroke recovery and prevention. Here are some recommended foods for stroke patients:
- Leafy Greens – they are packed with fiber, nitrates, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A and Potassium.
- Moringa (Malunggay), Water Spinach (Kangkong), Malabar Spinach (Alugbati), Bitter Melon (Ampalaya), Squash (Kalabasa)
- Lean Proteins – with stroke patients, we want to avoid foods with saturated fats. Fatty Fish are rich in Omega-3 and protein, and Tofu and Mung Beans are rich in fiber and protein.
- Fatty Fish (Tuna (Tambakol), Mackerel (Galunggong), or Milkfish (Bangus)
- Tofu (Tokwa)
- Mung Beans (Monggo)
- Fiber-Rich Grains and Tubers – these can be great substitutes to white rice, a Filipino staple but can spike blood sugar.
- Brown or Red Rice
- Sweet Potato (Kamote)
- Corn (Mais) (specifically white corn or “lagkitan”)
- Potassium-Rich Fruits – potassium helps the body flush out excess sodium and lower blood pressure.
- Bananas (Saging), Papaya, Avocado
- Salt Alternatives – these alternatives can help keep the flavor with lesser or no salt.
- Patis/Toyo – Coco Aminos (less sodium), Calamansi or Dayap (acidity brightens the flavor of the dish)
- Bagoong – Roasted Garlic or Onions (creates “umami” flavor)
- Magic Sarap/Stock Cubes – Natural aromatics like Lemongrass (tanglad), Ginger (luya), and Star Anise
- Salt – Vinegar (Suka) (the sourness tricks the tongue into needing less salt)
Foods to Limit For Stroke Patients
- Salty and Highly Processed Foods
- Corned beef, luncheon meat, vienna sausages, longganisa, tocino, hotdog, tuyo, daing, tinapa, instant noodles, chicharon
- Sugary Beverages
- Softdrinks, 3-in-1 coffee, powdered juice, iced tea, milk tea, frappe, sago’t gulaman
- Fried and Fatty Foods
- Crispy pata, lechon kawali, fried chicken, “tusok-tusok”, chicharon bulaklak
Can Stroke Be Prevented?
Yes, it can be even for those with risk factors. Here are some ways stroke can be avoided:
- Control your blood pressure and blood sugar by eating right and having a more active lifestyle.
- Stop smoking. Smoking is one of the main risk factors for stroke.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage stress. Stress can increase blood pressure and triggers an inflammatory response in the body.
- Have regular medical check-ups. Avail a full executive check-up package like our Gold Executive Check-up Package for Men or Women to catch any early symptoms of diseases or disorders like stroke.
Act Fast When It Comes to Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. Whether symptoms are severe or seem mild, it’s important that the patient reaches a hospital that can provide immediate stroke imaging and treatment right away.
You also have to remember that a mild stroke is the brain’s way of saying there might be a major stroke coming. Recognizing the signs especially BEFAST and acting immediately can prevent severe and permanent disability, save lives, and protect families.
For 24-hour emergency and stroke medical services, expert neurology specialists, and timely diagnostic imaging services, choose Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center, located at Southwoods Ecocentrum, Biñan, Laguna near SLEX.
When it comes to stroke, every second is a lifeline. BE FAST.
* https://data.who.int/countries/608
** https://www.strokesocietyphilippines.org/philippines-stroke/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there PhilHealth benefits for stroke patients?
Yes, there are. It may include coverage for hospital admission/confinement, imaging tests like CT-Scans, treatments like physical therapy or cardiac rehab, and some medications. It is still best to ask our hospital billing officers to understand which benefits you can receive.
Is a stroke the same as a heart attack?
No. Both are caused by blood flow issues, but a heart attack is caused by a blockage in the arteries of the heart, and a stroke is caused by a blockage or bleed in the brain.
Is stroke only for the elderly?
No. While risk increases with age, doctors in the Philippines are seeing a rise in “Young Stroke” (patients aged 20 to 30) due to a more sedentary lifestyle, vaping/smoking, and high-sodium fast food and sugary drink diet.
What are the risk factors for Stroke?
- Hypertension, Diabetes, and High Cholesterol
- High-sodium Diet, Smoking/Vaping, Heavy Alcohol Use, Physical Inactivity
- Age (risk increases significantly after age 55)
- Family History and Genetics
- Prior TIA or Mild/Mini Stroke
- Gender (Men have higher risk at younger ages; women have higher risk during pregnancy or post-menopause)
Does a Mild/Mini Stroke (TIA) need a doctor even after symptoms are gone?
Yes, immediately. Often, mild/mini strokes are big warning signs that a bigger or major stroke may come soon.