Saskatchewan
StrokeSaskatchewan
StrokeStroke is the third most common cause of death in North America. Many of those who live following a stroke are unable to completely regain lost function, making stroke the leading cause of unemployable disability in Canada. Each year in Saskatchewan alone approximately 1,400 people suffer some form of lasting disability as a result of stroke. In addition to this, nearly 1,500 babies are born prematurely each year, and of these, about one third may have some form of stroke that could lead to a lasting disability.
What Is A Stroke
The term "stroke" is used to identify a condition which is caused by a lack of blood flow to part of the brain resulting in a sudden loss of function. During a stroke, brain cells in the affected area do not get the oxygen and food that is needed. The brain cells then die and the damaged part of the brain is therefore unable to do the work it had been doing in the past.
The physical and mental effects of stroke may be mild and last a short time or may be serious and last a lifetime. It depends, in part, on which brain cells have been damaged and the extent of the damage.
The Saskatchewan Stroke Research Centre
Individual researchers in several laboratories across Canada and USA are involved in various aspects of stroke research. A multi-disciplinary approach (various branches and levels) is necessary to study the complex problem of stroke. Until the Saskatchewan Stroke Research Centre was established, no centre in Western Canada has had such a broad based research program with a focus on stroke.
Researchers at the Centre will look at what may cause damage when oxygen is cut off to the cells in the brain, will measure specific treatments that could protect the brain from such injuries, and will develop educational programs on stroke risk factor management for physicians and the public attempt to reduce the number of strokes.
Although there has been a great deal of research done, stroke remains a major health care problem. By taking a multi-disciplinary approach, we hope to better understand what happens during a stroke and from there develop plans which will reduce the frequency, injury and death which results from stroke. It is our hope that by improving the knowledge of both the public and health care professionals there will be increased awareness of risk factors and improved management of acute stroke.
Website maintained by jennings@www.usask.ca Revised May 1999