A leading cause of disability and fatality

https://youtu.be/Aq0DE5wzDs8

#NASAM #STROKE #StrokeSurvivor National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM)

#NASAM #STROKE #StrokeSurvivor #Caregiver #Physiotherapy #OccupationalTherapy #SpeechTherapy #FAST #REHABILITATION

CONSULTANT neurosurgeon at MSU Medical Centre Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris explains, “There are two types of stroke; ischaemic and haemorrhagic. Occurring in 80% of stroke cases, ischaemic stroke is owed to a narrowing of blood vessels by fat deposits or blood clots disrupting blood supply to the brain. The remaining 20% is owed to ruptured blood vessels caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure or a weakened blood vessel wall. 

“Stroke survivors suffer different deficits according to the affected brain area. They may suffer from memory and emotional disturbances, or be challenged by speech, vision, sensory, or movement difficulties. In a transient ischaemic attack, commonly called a mini stroke, the symptoms hit for only a few minutes or hours and then disappear. Mini strokes happen when blood supply to the brain is interrupted only momentarily, though the chance of getting permanent stroke within 48 hours raises tenfold and the risk remains high within three months.”

He adds, “With increasing age, the likelihood of getting an ischaemic stroke rises with the increased narrowing of the blood vessels. Other factors leading to stroke include smoking, obesity, alcoholism, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Lifestyle changes and treatment optimisation may reduce the risk of getting a stroke.”

Recognising an onset of stroke is crucial to reducing deaths and disabilities from delayed stroke treatment. Tools such as ‘‘BE FAST’’ help make an informed society to spot the onset of stroke and act timely. • B – Balancing difficulties
• E – Eye and vision disturbances
• F – Facial weakness
• A – Arm or leg weakness
• S – Speech difficulties
• T – Time to call ambulance

Treatment for ischaemic strokes includes restoring blood flow to the affected area by injecting a bloodthinning medication called alteplase into a vein in the arm to dissolve blood clots inside the brain’s blood vessel.

Another technique called endovascular therapy dissolves blood clot inside the blocked brain vessel by directly injecting alteplase through a small catheter placed inside the affected blood vessel, or removes the blood clot by retrieving it with a special device through a catheter placed inside the affected blood vessel.

For haemorrhagic strokes, the main goal of treatment is to control bleeding and to reduce the increased pressure in the brain. The high blood pressure must be controlled by antihypertensive drugs, and the effect of the bloodthinning medication needs to be reversed to reduce further bleeding. Ruptured blood vessels caused by cerebral aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations need to be treated by surgical intervention or endovascular therapy.

The recovery phase for each patient depends on the extent of disabilities resulting from the stroke. Most stroke patients need to undergo physical therapy to regain limb functions. Some need to undergo speech therapy to be able to speak and understand conversations.

Prevention of stroke involves lifestyle modifications such as controlling one’s high blood pressure and blood sugar level, consuming low-fat diet, fruits, and vegetables, avoiding tobacco use and practising active physical activities such as exercise, jogging, or hiking.

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There is life after stroke, experts assure | The Star

 

National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM)

 NASAM BACKGROUND

• South East Asia’s first non-profit organisation offering rehabilitation services for stroke survivors

•Founded in 1995 by Janet Yeo after her remarkable recovery from a stroke

> •Advocates ‘There is life after stroke’

•Aims to improve the quality of life of stroke survivors and their families and help reduce the risk of stroke amongst Malaysians through stroke awareness and prevention advocacy

> •Stroke specific rehab focuses on the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of survivors

•Services include physio, occupational and speech therapies, recreational activities, alternative therapy and counselling

•Long term mission to make stroke rehabilitation accessible to as many stroke survivors as possible

•9 clubs in Malaysia – Petaling Jaya, Ampang, Penang, Perak, Malacca, Johor, Kuantan, Sabah, Kedah

•NASAM is a non-profit organisation, depending wholly on the generosity of its supporters and the public
_________________________________________________

National Stroke Association Of Malaysia (HQ)
12, Jalan Bukit Menteri Selatan 7/2,
46050 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
contact: 03 - 7956 1876 | fax: 03 - 7931 0087
email: info@nasam.org | website: www.nasam.org
www.facebook.com/NationalStrokeAssociationMalaysia

OUR BRANCHES

NASAM PETALING JAYA
No. 12, Jalan Bukit Menteri Selatan (7/2), Seksyen 7,
46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel: +603 7956 4840 | Fax: +603 7931 0087 | Email: nasampj@nasam.org

NASAM AMPANG

No. 9, Lorong Awan 1, Kuala Ampang,
68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Tel: +603 4256 1234 | Fax: +603 4251 5360 | Email: nasamampang@nasam.org

NASAM PENANG

No. 6, Lorong Midlands, George Town,
10250 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Tel: +604 229 8050 | Email: nasampenang@nasam.org

NASAM PERAK

No. 9, Lorong Pinji, Off Jalan Pasir Puteh, Taman Mayfair,
31560 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Tel: +605 321 1089 | Fax: +605 322 4759 | Email: nasamperak@nasam.org

NASAM MALACCA

No. 5132-C, Jalan Datuk Palembang, Bukit Baru,
75150 Melaka Darul Azim, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: +606 231 0177 | Email: nasammalacca@nasam.org

NASAM JOHOR

No. 59, Jalan Chendera, Serene Park,
80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia.
Tel: +607 223 0075 | Fax: +607 223 0076 | Email: nasamjohor@nasam.org

NASAM KUANTAN

No. A2134, Lorong Kubang Buaya 2, Taman Happy,
25250 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia.
Tel/Fax: +609 566 8195 | Email: nasamkuantan@nasam.org

NASAM SABAH

Kompleks Badan-Badan Sukarela,
Wisma Pandu Puteri, KM4, Jalan Tuaran,
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Tel: +6 088 261 568 | Email: nasamsabah@nasam.org

NASAM KEDAH

No. 69, Taman Putra,
Kampung Tunku Putra, 09000 Kulim,
Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
Tel: +604 490 3479 | Email: nasamkedah@nasam.org

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When A Stroke Strikes

Second chance at life after stroke

Stroke survivor Betty Ng (centre) being her usual active self at the Walk for Health event before the pandemic. Photo: Nasam

 

https://youtu.be/-Gv278vvA-A 

 Retiree Betty Ng, who turned 70 in June, has been a stroke survivor for seven years. On her birthday, she started a campaign to raise funds for the National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam).

“It was at Nasam that I recovered from my stroke as I went through physiotherapy and rehabilitation. It was also here that I got my second chance in life and met new friends which made me happy just to be alive,” says Ng

But, for the past one year, the pandemic has somewhat impacted activities at the centre. Although Nasam is still open for one-on-one therapy, there are no in-person group therapy activities and social events which are a major part of a stroke survivor's recovery process, she says.

“Stroke rehabilitation can take a heavy toll physically and emotional on a stroke survivor and their family members. But Nasam has always been a safe space where they can go to for recovery, meet other survivors and be motivated to embrace life after stroke,” she says.

This is why Ng wants to help raise funds for Nasam, an NGO that relies largely on donations from the public to stay afloat during the difficult pandemic time.

Betty Ng excitedly checking up on her SimplyGiving fundraising site. Photo: NASAM

 
“As an NGO, Nasam relies largely on public donations from members of the public – both corporations and individuals - in order to survive. So I hope that my initiative will help Nasam stay afloat during this time so that they can continue to serve the stroke community, ” says Ng.

The determined Ng, who suffered from a stroke in 2014 during surgery to remove a benign brain tumour, adds that she wants to be a motivator for all who have been stricken with stroke, because as a survivor herself, she understands what they’re going through.

After she had her stroke seven years ago, she could not stand, nor use her left hand or leg.

“I had problems eating, suffered from a slight speech impairment, couldn’t recall words and had difficulty completing sentences. I had to be bathed, dressed, and fed, and even to wear diapers,” she recounts.

“I felt really miserable because I couldn’t help myself. I wasn’t used to being dependent on anyone,” she says.

Ng was in hospital for six weeks and after she was discharged, she could walk with the aid of a quadripod walking stick, and was cared for by her daughter.

Determined to get back to normalcy quickly, Ng started exercising to strengthen her left arm and leg, and improve her speech.

“I pushed myself to the maximum as I was impatient to get back to as normal a life as possible,” she says.

Ng’s daughter would prepare her food and then go to work, but be back to help with Ng’s exercises in the evening.

“I was on my own the whole day, and would spend the time exercising, doing puzzles such as crosswords, and colouring to stimulate my brain.

“In the evenings, I would do my exercises – under the supervision of my daughter - which included walking up and down the stairs and to-and-fro without the walking stick,” says Ng.

Ng started rehabilitation daily at Nasam in Dec 2014, in addition to her rehabilitation at the hospital.


Fourteen months after her stroke (in Aug 2015), she was certified fit to drive.

“I was thrilled because it gave me so much more independence. The following year, my daughter bought me a car and nothing stops me now ... except the MCO,” she says.

But, since the pandemic, Ng’s group rehabilitation sessions at the centre have come to a halt.

“The MCO has made things difficult because I’m not able to move around freely and frequently," she says.



Before the first MCO last year, Ng used to spend a lot of time at Nasam and says it was “like a second home” for her and other stroke survivors.

Betty Ng (in orange) at The Stroke Games before the pandemic. Photo: NASAM

 
“I would bring my 90-year-old mother and also sisters along for the social gatherings and outings organised by Nasam. It gave us the opportunity to bond and have fun together as a family,” she says.

Ng says that Nasam has helped her grow her confidence and self-esteem.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to reach out to other stroke survivors and their families and I’m grateful for the chance to help others,” says Ng who now is a Nasam ambassador and also on its mentor-mentee programme.

As an ambassador, she helps create awareness through speaking at public forums about stroke and the challenges to recovery. For the mentor-mentee programme, she counsels and motivates stroke survivors who are going through difficulties.

Betty is now a Nasam ambassador and also on its mentor-mentee programme. Photo: NASAM

 
“I do this alongside Nasam’s founder and chairman Janet Yeo, who created and manages the platform,” she adds.

“Nasam has shown us that there is life after stroke by challenging stroke survivors to achieve a greater recovery by giving us so many wonderful experiences and opportunities like The Stroke Games, as well as social integration and empowerment to return to the community or back to work,” says Ng.



“I started the fundraising campaign, which will run until Jul 17, because Nasam is like family to me. I want to help stroke survivors and see them able to lead a better life,” she concludes.

For more info, visit: SimplyGiving: There is life after stroke

 Support for stroke survivors during the pandemic

 Nasam organises activities for stroke survivors such as The Stroke Games, before the pandemic. Photo: Nasam

Throughout the pandemic, the National Stroke Association of Malaysia (Nasam) remains open to serve stroke survivors and their families, who may need help with rehabilitation and support.

“Although we can’t conduct group therapy sessions nor have social activities – which are a very effective means of rehabilitation and psycho-social support for stroke survivors – during this time, one-on-one therapy sessions are still ongoing, ” says Nasam communications coordinator Vanaja Dhanan.

“Our group therapy sessions are now available on Zoom, ” she adds.

Creating public awareness

To motivate stroke survivors, Nasam also organises an annual Walk For Health event. Photo: Nasam

 
Nasam’s public awareness activities such as forums on stroke prevention and awareness, educational talks, and other such events, have also been shifted online during the pandemic.

“But even though we can do this through Zoom and other online platforms, there are certain segments of the community who have no access to online facilities, ” says Vanaja.

She adds that there has also been a decrease in participation in group therapy sessions as many stroke survivors can’t access the Internet because they don’t have device nor the support to do so.

“They may not have family members who are able to support them to get online at home. Some are also unable to follow these online sessions as they’re unable to process the information after their stroke, ” she explains.

And, although Nasam is open for face-to-face support during the various MCOs, following strict Health Ministry guidelines, there is still a lot of fear among the people to come out and seek support, she says.

“This too has impacted the recovery of stroke survivors, especially those with visual, spatial and cognitive issues, ” says Vanaja.

The rehabilitation of the stroke victims also centres around social outings and gatherings at Nasam, and these are also affected by the pandemic.

Nasam’s annual events such as The Stroke Games, Walk For Health and Food & Fun Fair, have all come to a halt during the pandemic.

Embracing the new normal

Nasam founder and chairperson Janet Yeo started Nasam in 1996 while she was recovering from a stroke. PhotoNasam>>:

During the various MCOs and lockdown, Nasam offers Telerehab via Zoom and WhatsApp both for group and one-on-one sessions, to support stroke patients going through rehabilitation. They also offer fun, recreational activities online such as cooking, crafting, karaoke and others.

There is also a Stroke Mentoring Facebook group, which is managed by Nasam founder and chairperson Janet Yeo who formed the association in 1996, when she herself was recovering from a stroke.

The mentoring group is supported by both Yeo and other stroke survivors who are able to counsel and help survivors going through difficulties because they themselves have gone through it before and understand what it involves.

Prevention is better than cure

Yeo highlights that that it’s very important for individuals in the high-risk group – smokers and those with conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes – to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“There needs to be a balance between work and leisure. For those who are working from home, be sure to set clear boundaries – a time when you’re available for work and a time when it’s your free time,” she says.

“It’s also important to stay physically active and exercise regularly. Take your medications and go for your medical check-up as scheduled,” she adds.

“Stay physically and mentally active. And, most of all - seek help if you need it. Don’t go through it alone,” says Yeo.


Caregiving for a stroke survivor is no easy task and caregivers may often feel discouraged and alone. To help them, Nasam also has a Caregiver Support Group.

“Carers who are going through difficulties can be connected to a fellow caregiver or even a stroke survivor who is recovering well and able to help the family move ahead,” she says.

As an essential service, Nasam centres continue to operate throughout the pandemic, offering rehabilitation and therapy from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Stroke survivors or their family members can also call the Nasam Helpline at 018-222 1878 for support or help.

For more info, visit:nasam.org/ 

NASAM

goSMAC Sdn BhdHealth & Fitness

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Better access for stroke patients, and Helping stroke survivors in a pandemic

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