Strokes: Must-Know Information

Stroke is the third leading killer in the United States. It is also the number one reason a person is admitted into a long-term nursing care facility.

A stroke, also known as a "brain attack" happens when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off. The blockage normally occurs in the arteries of the brain. The arteries supply blood to the brain. When the blood flow is blocked, that part of the brain will begin to suffocate due to lack of oxygen, and die. The blockages can be caused by blood clots, or slow damage to the artery. A blood clot can travel to the brain from another part of the body through the arteries. Slow damage to the artery can be caused over time by high blood pressure or diabetes. In approximately 20 percent of all strokes, there is bleeding into the brain that can be from a broken blood vessel or bulging aneurysm that breaks open. An aneurysm is a fluid filled bulge in an artery. There is no way to tell what kind of stroke a person is having until a doctor takes x-rays of the person's head.

Sometimes, a person will have what is known as a mini-stroke, or transient ischemic attack; TIA for short. With a mini-stroke, the person will have signs of a stroke but the signs will go away completely. Normally, if a person has had a mini-stroke, the signs will go away within a few minutes, but occasionally, the signs will linger on for a few hours. A person who has a mini-stroke is at a very high risk of having a full stroke within the two days that follow the mini-stroke. Even if the signs disappear almost immediately, a mini-stroke is still an emergency, and the person should go to the hospital at once.

A stroke can cause permanent brain damage to the portion of the brain that is affected. If it is recognized and treated in time, the damage can potentially be reversed, or even stopped all together. This is one reason why it is so important to call 911 or your local emergency number at once if a person has any sign or symptom of a stroke.

Sudden signs that a person may be having a stroke are, the person complaining of a horrible headache. This headache is often described as," the worst headache" that the person has ever had. Along with a headache, the person may suddenly feel dizzy or confused. The person may have trouble talking, or it may be difficult to understand what the person is saying because their speech is slurred. The person may have blurred or dimmed vision. You may notice that one side of the person's face appears droopy.

The best way to see if the person is possibly having a stroke is to remember the word F-A-S-T.

"F" stands for face. You want to ask the person to smile at you. Look at both sides of the person's face. If one side appears to be weak or looks droopy, they are probably having a stroke.

"A" stands for arm. Ask the person to raise both arms out in front of themselves. If one arm appears weak, they are probably having a stroke.

"S" stand for speech. Ask the person to say a very simple sentence. Listen as they speak. If their speech is slurred, you have trouble understanding what they are trying to say, or they have difficulty in saying a simple sentence, they are probably having a stroke.

"T" stands for time. It is time to pick up the phone and call 911 or your local emergency number. Try to take not of the time at which the symptoms began. This will help the doctors once the person is at the hospital. Many times, a doctor can give the person clot-busters to dissolve a blood clot that is causing the blockage in the brain. If this medication is given quickly and correctly, the person is much more likely to recover from the stroke.

If a person is having a stroke, they are likely to become very upset, afraid, and anxious. While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, it is important that you try to help the person remain as calm as possible. Have the person rest in a comfortable position. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink. Stay with the person and monitor them until help arrives. If the person goes unconscious, make sure the person has an open airway. Care for any life-threatening conditions, such as bleeding or shock. Take note of the time that the symptoms began, as well as the time the person went unconscious. If there is any fluid or vomit in the person's mouth, position the person on their side so that the fluids can drain from their mouth. This is important because the person could choke on the fluids if they are not removed from the mouth.

There are those who are at higher risk for having a stroke. People with high blood pressure, cigarette smokers, those who eat a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol, and people with diabetes are all at higher risk for stroke.

To prevent a stroke, you should keep your blood pressure under control. Do not smoke cigarettes, and if you do, stop, eat a healthy and balanced diet, get regular exercise, and if you have diabetes, work with your doctor to control it. A good diet, healthy habits, and regular exercise can all help you prevent yourself from having a stroke.