A stroke can occur when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted. In the United States, Stroke is the leading cause of disability. A stroke occurs every 40 seconds.
Many strokes can be prevented and treated. You must call 911 immediately to receive immediate medical attention.
The best stroke treatment is given as soon after the onset of symptoms as possible. Early treatment increases the chances of survival and helps prevent long-term disability.
It's important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms to get the best care possible as soon as they occur.
Stroke symptoms
Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly. While not everyone will have the same symptoms, the following are some common signs and symptoms of stroke.
- Face drooping, difficulty lifting an arm or a leg, and weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of your body.
- Confusion, difficulty speaking, such as slurred words or an inability to find or use the correct words, or trouble understanding what other people are saying
- Double vision, blurred vision, or blackened vision are all symptoms of trouble seeing in either or both eyes.
- Dizziness, lack of coordination, or difficulty walking
- A severe headache without a known cause that may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, or a change in consciousness
Pre-stroke symptoms
Transient ischemic attacks (T.I.A.) are commonly referred to as pre-stroke, mini-stroke, or T.I.A. Mini-strokes are usually only a few moments long and do not cause permanent damage. Mini strokes and strokes have similar early warning symptoms and signs, although they are different in length. It's vital to consult a doctor if you are experiencing stroke-like symptoms. One-third of people who have pre-stroke symptoms eventually suffer a stroke.
Stroke signs in women vs. men
The signs of stroke are similar in both men and women. Stroke symptoms in women are often subtler, so they can be easily overlooked or dismissed.
Women are at higher risk of stroke because of several factors, including pregnancy, birth-control pills or hormone replacement therapy, and migraines with aura.
Women may also experience stroke symptoms in addition to the usual stroke warning signs:
- General weakness or fatigue
- Headache, confusion, or memory problems
- Nausea or vomiting
Silent strokes
Silent strokes are strokes that do not cause any symptoms. Silent strokes are caused by small areas of brain damage that do not control vital functions such as speech or movement.
How to know if someone has a stroke? B.E.F.A.S.T.
The acronym B.E.L.F.A.S.T. is a helpful way to help you remember the symptoms of a stroke.
B - Balance problems
Do they need help staying balanced or coordinated? Feeling dizzy? Do they stumble when they walk?
E - Eyesight problems
Is the person's vision blurry or darkened? Do they have double vision or other eye problems?
F - Face drooping
Is there a drooping side, or is it numb on one side? If the person is smiling, look at their mouth to see if it's drooping.
A-Arm Weakness
Does one arm feel weak or numb to the touch? Can both arms be raised at the same? Does one arm slouch below the other if both arms are raised? If you have had a stroke, one side of your body is likely affected. Therefore, arm or leg weakness can be a sign to look out for.
S - Speech difficulty
Does the person's speech sound slurred? Is this person confused? Ask them to repeat something simple and listen out for any strange sounds.
T - Time for 911
Call 911 if you notice any of these symptoms. It is crucial to get the best treatment as soon as possible.
Stroke risk factors
Everyone can have a stroke. However, those at higher risk of having one will be more likely to do so. Some stroke risks can be treated and controlled, but others cannot.
Stroke Risk Factors that Can be Controlled and Managed:
- High cholesterol or blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- History of transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes)
- Obesity
- Alcohol or drug abuse excessive
Stroke risk factors that cannot be changed
- Genetics, Your chances of having a stroke are higher if you or someone in your family has a stroke history.
- Race African Americans are at a greater risk of stroke than other races.
- Age The chance of stroke increases by more than twofold for every decade after age 55.
- Gender Women are more likely than men to die of a stroke.
Stroke treatment options: Know them!
It is impossible to predict when a stroke may occur. Knowing where to go for the best stroke care is important.
Our award-winning stroke treatment system includes the following:
- Regions Hospital Stroke Center, located in downtown St. Paul, is Minnesota's only comprehensive stroke center. The Regions Hospital Stroke Center is Minnesota's first comprehensive stroke center.
- Methodist Hospital Stroke Center is in St. Louis Park and offers special emergency stroke treatment, rehabilitation, and care in the western Twin Cities. Our range of services includes the Park Nicollet Stroke INSPIRE Program, which offers support and education for stroke and brain injury victims and their families.
- Rehabilitation Clinic Locations in the Twin Cities metro area and western Wisconsin, including our state-of-the-art Neuroscience Center in St. Paul, make it simple for you or a loved one to receive exceptional rehabilitation and therapy throughout recovery. For example, our Regions Hospital stroke rehab program is CARF-certified, and we are also committed to research. We offer clinical trials through the HealthPartners Institute to help advance care, treatment, and systems.
When you need stroke treatment, get it.
Do not delay seeking medical attention if you or someone you love is experiencing anything out of the norm or is having a problem. If you are suffering from a stroke, seeking treatment as soon as possible is important.
If you are experiencing stroke symptoms and don't feel like driving to the hospital, call 911 or have someone else call it for you.
A stroke is a terrifying experience. We're always here to help you. Quality stroke treatment is available.
Credit: https://thewebhealth.com
