Since more than 75% of strokes can be prevented, let us define stroke, review the signs of a stroke, and discuss how to easily spot stroke signs and symptoms.
DEFINE STROKE
An attack on the brain, also referred to as a stroke, happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow in an artery or when a blood vessel breaks, disrupting the natural flow of blood to the brain. Cells in the brain begin to die because of a lack of blood flow and damage begins to happen on several levels.
Depending on where in the brain a stroke happens will determine how the patient of a stroke is affected and if any abilities such a memory, movement or speech are lost or disabled in any way. A person, who experiences the signs of a stroke which are minor, might only be affected in a small way (weakness in a leg or arm), whereas someone who suffers more serious stroke signs could lose their ability to move or speak. Although some patients’ stroke prognosis is complete recovery from strokes, the stroke prognosis in about two-thirds of stroke survivors is having to deal with some sort of physical or mental disability. Recognizing stroke signs is imperative for having a positive stroke prognosis and limiting any damage that can occur.
TYPES OF STROKE
Blood clot type strokes usually happen due to fat or cholesterol buildup in your blood vessels. Your body is trying to heal itself because it regards these buildups as many, small injuries to the wall of the blood vessels and forms clots to try to heal these wounds.
Ischemic Stroke: when a blood clot is blocked in the arteries and cuts off the natural flow of blood throughout the body – this is referred to as ischemia. A stroke of this type can happen one of two ways (embolic and thrombotic).
Embolic Stroke: A clot usually forms in the heart and is carried by your blood to the brain. Once this clot reaches the brain area, it eventually blocks a small blood vessel causing the stroke.
Thrombotic Stroke: This type of stroke is also caused by a blood clot; but in this instance arteries are blocked and blood flow to the brain is cut off.
TREATMENT
Thrombolytics - This type of drug dissolves the clot to help restore normal blood flow and works best when administered as soon as stroke signs are present.
tPA - tPA is an enzyme found naturally in the body that converts, or activates, plasminogen into another enzyme in order to dissolve a blood clot. Timing is essential, as there is only a 3 hour window from the time the signs of a stroke begin.
MERCI Retrieval System - If the 3 hour window of time has passed after the onset of any stroke signs, The MERCI system is the next choice as it doesn’t have a time window for use after the initial signs of a stroke. This system is used in more than 300 United States hospitals and more than 8,500 patients throughout the world have found this procedure effective in removing blood clots and helps lead to a positive stroke prognosis. A cork-screw shaped mini device wraps around the clot, essentially capturing it, and then removes it from the body.
STROKE SIGNS
Stroke Signs and Symptoms come on very quickly and these are what you need to look for, in both men and women:
- One side of the face, arm or leg suddenly go numb or weak
- Suddenly find it difficult to speak or understand
- A sudden lost of sight in one or both eyes
- A sudden and painful headache without reasonable cause.
- Suddenly losing coordination and balance, become dizzy and having trouble walking
Women have additional, unique stroke signs, and they can include:
- Sudden chest pain and/or heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath and nausea
- Suddenly feeling weak all over
- A quick onset of hiccups
- Suddenly you experience pain in your face and limbs.
It has been reported that without recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical treatment that a stroke will kill twice as many women than cancer of the breast yearly.
Strokes can happen to anyone at any given time, they is not prejudice – regardless of sex, race or age, signs of a stroke can present themselves in anyone. In the USA alone 137,000 people will not survive a stroke.
During a stroke, approximately 2 million cells in the brain die every minute. Knowing this, and having a favorable stroke prognosis, it is essential to know the signs of a stroke and act FAST
Use the F.A.S.T test to help quickly recognize the signs of a stroke:
F (face) – ask them to smile – does one side droop?
A (arms) – ask them to raise both arms – does one drift downward?
S (speech) ask them to repeat a simple sentence – notice slurred speech?
T (time) – notice any signs? – Call 911 – get to hospital ASAP
There are some easy lifestyle changes to help prevent a stroke and lead to a positive stroke prognosis:
- Know your blood pressure (and not have it taken just once a year!)
- Do you have arterial fibrillation? Talk to your doctor about treatment options
- If you smoke, please quit!
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation only
- Know and monitor these very important numbers – your cholesterol (good/bad/lipids)
- Exercise is always recommended – just get off the couch and start walking
- Enjoy a lower sodium - low fat diet
- If you have circulation issues, consult with your doctor regarding treatment options
When you suffer from a Stroke, or experience Stroke Signs, in order to improve your stroke prognosis, your Rehabilitation Team will consist of the following:
- Physiatrist (who specializes in mental rehab when an accident, injury or illness happens)
- Neurologist (Deals with spinal cord injuries and other diseases regarding the brain – including stroke)
- Occupational Therapist (will assist in helping you cope and learn new strategies to use in your daily life – such as eating, dressing, cooking and writing)
- Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) – helps you to communicate and relearn language skills (also helps with swallowing issues if necessary)
- Dietician (will show you how to eat healthy and instruct you on any special adjustments in your diets)
- Social Workers – helps survivors make decisions about living arrangement, insurance, support in your home, and setting up rehab programs).
- Neuropsychologist (diagnoses and treats survivors who are dealing with memory, thinking changes)
- Case Manager (follow up care, connects with local services to assist with some of your needs)
- Recreation Therapist (learn to improve movement skills needed to rejoin and perform the activities you love)
If you've experienced a stroke, or the signs of a stroke, you are not just permitted to walk out of the hospital without a discharge plan: this plan is discussed with your assigned social worker and will include topics such as: do you have a safe place to live? Deciding on the special equipment you might need; assistance and home care and also making a decision on the best community services available to assist you (for example: volunteer rides to rehabilitation, caregiver relief programs, and meal delivery).
It is very important to eat healthy, nutritious food (especially after a stroke occurs to increase your chances for a favorable stroke prognosis) because you will need to keep your energy level high to continue physical therapy, exercise and to enjoy your favorite activities. If your hands and arms have been affected by the stroke, there are several specially made utensils which include easy to grip built up handles on flatware and a rocker knife that is available for cutting food with only one hand and also handy attachable rings that will keep food from accidentally being pushed off the plate.
Being able to dress yourself is a basic form of independence, everyday you want to be attractively dressed as it boosts self image. Here are a few tips for making this process less difficult:
- Clothes that fasten in the front are the easiest to manipulate
- Replace zippers and buttons with Velcro
- Use Velcro instead of laces on shoes
- Use a cape or wrap instead of a coat with sleeves
- Do not use crepe soled shoes or anything else that might stick to the floor as it could induce a fall.
With lifestyle changes, proper education and awareness of stroke signs, quick response and treatment; stroke prognosis is not as scary as it once was. A word to caregivers, always treat a stroke victim with respect, kindness and patience and provide choices so they still feel that they have some sense of control over their own lives.
Here’s wishing you great health and happiness.