While stroke continues
to be a leading cause of death among Americans, one study reported
only 38 percent of people were aware of all major stroke symptoms and knew
to call 911 immediately when any of these symptoms appear.
“Because stroke
affects the brain and how someone perceives what is happening to them, the
person having the stroke might not realize what is occurring,” said Fawzi
Hindi, MD, Neurologist at Aspirus Spine & Neurosciences. “That is why it is
crucial for everyone, no matter what your age, to know the signs of stroke.”
Effective treatment is
available for strokes caused by a blood clot, which is about 80 percent of all
cases. Patients who receive clot busting medication to restore blood flow to
the brain within three hours have less disability and long-term effects than
those who delayed care.
If you notice any of
these signs in yourself or another person, call 911 immediately:
Every second counts –
BE FAST:
- BALANCE – Sudden loss
of coordination or balance
- EYES – Sudden change
in vision
- FACE – Sudden weakness
on one side of the face or facial droop
- ARM – Sudden arm or
leg numbness or weakness
- SPEECH – Sudden
slurred speech, trouble speaking, trouble understanding speech
- TERRIBLE HEADACHE –
Sudden onset of a terrible headache
“There are things
providers can do for someone after they have a stroke. We can manage it and
change the course of what may have been death or disability, but to do that we
need the patient, or your loved one, to come in as soon as possible,” says Dr.
Hindi. “Do not delay. If your body is experiencing change that you are not used
to, get assessed by a qualified professional as soon as possible.”
Although stroke risk
does increase with age, a study in
the American Heart Association (AHA) Journals found that the incidence of
intracerebral hemorrhage strokes (ICH), when a blood vessel bursts in the
brain, has been increasing in younger to middle-aged adults aged 18 to 44
years. Dr. Hindi says, “those with elevated risk for stroke are people with unhealthy
lifestyles, such as smoking, and those with chronic health conditions such as
diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. But strokes can happen amongst any
patient, any age, and for multiple causes.”
In the younger
population, inherited conditions, or physical trauma, can cause an increased
stroke risk. This includes heart conditions, blood clotting disorders, high
blood pressure, kidney disease, chronic migraine, aneurisms, or neck related
trauma. Dr. Hindi says, “strokes can also be caused by certain types of
medications, such as birth control with estrogen which affects the way the
blood clots.”
The good news is that
about 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Everyone can do a great deal to
lower their own risk by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
This includes working
with your provider to manage any chronic health conditions. Making lifestyle
changes such as quitting smoking, keeping your weight in check, exercising
regularly, and eating right can go a long way to lower your risk of stroke.
Dr. Hindi advises
people to “live well, exercise, eat well, sleep well and be happy. Your mental
and emotional state impacts your body, so living a good and healthy life is one
of the best ways to prevent stroke.”
Aspirus Health
provides emergency stroke care system-wide at all Aspirus hospitals, with
Aspirus Langlade Hospital, Aspirus Medford Hospital, and Aspirus Riverview
Hospital receiving Advanced Certification as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by
The Joint Commission and Aspirus Wausau Hospital Certified as a Primary Stroke
Center.
May is National Stroke
Awareness Month which aims to raise awareness about the prevention and
treatment of strokes. Talk with your provider to learn about your stroke. Learn
more at aspirus.org/stroke-care.
