IN CONVERSATION WITH DENISHA VESSAN
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This week, from 28 October to 3 November, South Africa joins the world in
marking National Stroke Week — a campaign aimed at raising awareness
about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of strokes.
A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, cutting off
oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells can begin to die — and
depending on which part of the brain is affected, it can change how a person
speaks, moves, thinks, or even feels.
In South Africa, strokes have become one of the leading causes of death and
disability, yet many of these cases could have been prevented through lifestyle
changes and early detection. The reality, however, is that many people fail to
recognise the warning signs or delay seeking medical care — often because
stroke symptoms aren’t always painful or obvious.
09:15
This week serves as a reminder that stroke prevention isn’t only a medical
issue — it’s a public health, social, and economic issue. From unequal access
to emergency care to limited rehabilitation services in rural areas, this
conversation asks: Are we doing enough to protect South Africans from the
long-term impact of strokes?
marking National Stroke Week — a campaign aimed at raising awareness
about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of strokes.
A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, cutting off
oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells can begin to die — and
depending on which part of the brain is affected, it can change how a person
speaks, moves, thinks, or even feels.
In South Africa, strokes have become one of the leading causes of death and
disability, yet many of these cases could have been prevented through lifestyle
changes and early detection. The reality, however, is that many people fail to
recognise the warning signs or delay seeking medical care — often because
stroke symptoms aren’t always painful or obvious.
09:15
This week serves as a reminder that stroke prevention isn’t only a medical
issue — it’s a public health, social, and economic issue. From unequal access
to emergency care to limited rehabilitation services in rural areas, this
conversation asks: Are we doing enough to protect South Africans from the
long-term impact of strokes?
