UNCONSCIOUSNESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 7 (Supplement)

UNCONSCIOUSNESS

STROKES. BV A FAMILY DOCTOR. A stroke is due in the majority of cases either t,o the rupture of a Mood vessel in the brain or to the clotting of blood in a blood vessel of (he brain. Much more rarely it may possibly bo due to a spasm of the arteries of tho 'brain. In any case, however, the arteries of the brain must be diseased;* and the commonest disease which affects them comes on in old age and tends to run in families. One of the most important precautions is to refrain from excessive worry and mental strain. With increasing ago members of such families should begin to limit the exercise they take, refrain from working late at night, rest over the weekends, take long holidays, go to bed early, and, finally, eat rather small meals, avoiding too much meat and not drinking anything stronger than lignt wines. If a stroke has already occurred the above rules should be observed strictly and a very regular lifo should bo led. In addition, the patient, should always rest a little after meals, avoid sudden changes of temperature —particularly very hot or cold baths; and he should bo spared any sudden surprise or emotional stress. With care, those who have recovered from a stroke may live for many years; they must be encouraged in an optimistic outlook, but, on (he other band, warned into reasonable care.