|
Know Stroke.*
|
||
|
|
||
| Stroke is the #3 killer in the U. S. and a leading cause of
serious, long-term disability. About 600,000 strokes occur each year. A
drug called tPA can significantly reduce the debilitating effects of some
strokes and minimize permanent disability, but you need to recognize the
symptoms of a stroke and get to a hospital quickly. What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Brain cells in the immediate area begin to die be- cause they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. • A stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel or artery in the brain (80% of strokes) or by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain (20% of strokes). •Stroke can affect the entire body. The effects of a stroke range from mild to severe and can include paralysis; problems with thinking, speaking and emotions; and pain or numbness. |
||
|
Know the Signs.
|
||
|
|
||
| Because stroke injures the brain, you may not realize you're
having a stroke. To a bystander, someone having a stroke may just look unaware
or confused. Stroke victims have the best chance if someone around them
recognizes the symptoms and acts quickly. What are the symptoms of a stroke? • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body) • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause. What should a bystander do? If you believe someone is having a stroke: • If he or she suddenly loses the ability to speak, or move an arm or leg on one side, or experiences facial paralysis on one side • Call 9-1-1 immediately. |
||
|
Act in Time.
|
||
|
|
||
| Stroke is a medical emergency: every minute counts. The longer
blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. Immediate treatment
can save lives and enhance the chance for successful recovery. Why is there a need to act fast? Strokes caused by blood clots can be treated with TPA. The window of opportunity to start TPA treatment is three hours, but to be evaluated in time, stroke patients need to get to the hospital within 60 minutes. A five-year study found that some stroke patients who received TPA within three hours of the start of stroke symptoms were at least 30% more likely to recover with little or no disability after three months. What can I do to prevent a stroke? The best treatment for stroke is prevention. Several risk factors increase your chances of having a stroke: • High blood pressure • Heart disease • Smoking • Diabetes • High cholesterol. If you smoke -quit. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, getting them under control -and keeping them under control -will greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke. For more information on stroke prevention, detection, treatment or recovery, contact: • The American Stroke Association: toll-free 1-888-4STROKE; Website: StrokeAssociation.org • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: 1-800-352-9424; Web site: ninds.nih.gov. |
||
| * This article is compliments of the American Stroke Association | ||