Stroke is the number one cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death in the US. Although stroke affects people of all ages, genders and races, people over 55, males and African-Americans are at higher risk for stroke. Controllable risk factors include obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. By seeing a doctor regularly and following their instructions you can control these risk factors.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke; in some instances a clotbusting drug can be administered to diminish the effects of a stroke. However, there is only a three-hour window when this drug can be administered. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately! Time is brain function.
Simple Stroke Test
Smile - is their smile symetrical or is one side drooping
Raise both arms - can they hold both arms up or is one arm weaker
Repeat a sentence - like "The sky is blue." can they form the words
If the answer is no to any of these questions, call 911 immediately! Note the time when you started seeing symptoms, which helps establish where a person may be within the three-hour treatment window.
There are other warning signs of stroke.
-Suddenly feeling weak in one arm, hand or leg
-Cannot feel one side of your face or body
-Suddenly cannot see out of one eye
-Suddenly have a hard time walking
-Cannot understand what someone is saying
-Feeling dizzy or losing your balance
-Having the worst headache you have ever had
Brain Attack
Stroke is sometimes referred to as a brain attack because it impacts the brain in much the same way a heart attack impacts the heart. Every stroke is different and is largely dependent upon the area of the brain effected and the length of time that area was without oxygen.
There are two types of strokes. Transient Ischemic Attack, or TIA as it is often called, is when a blood clot clogs an artery for a short period of time. This is sometimes called a warning stroke. The symptoms are much like a major stroke, however, they last for a shorter period of time. A hemoragic stroke is when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds deep in the brain or on the surface of the brain.
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