A stroke is a common cause of sickness and death in many countries including Anguilla. During a stroke, every minute counts! Fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that a stroke can cause. Recognising the signs and symptoms of a stroke is important. By knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke, you can take quick action and perhaps save a life – maybe even your own.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential.
The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 911 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Symptoms of a stroke
The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST:
• Face – the face may have dropped on one side. The person may not be able to smile, or his/her mouth or eye may have dropped.
• Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
• Speech – his/her speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; he/she may also have problems understanding what you are saying to him/her.
• Time – it is time to dial 911 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.
What are some causes of a stroke?
A stroke results from damage to the brain. If the supply of blood to the brain is restricted, or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain injury, disability and possibly death.
There are two main types of strokes:
• ischaemic – where the blood supply is stopped because of a blood clot, accounting for 85% of all cases
• haemorrhagic – where a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts
There is also a related condition called a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) where the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted. This causes what is known as a mini-stroke. It can last a few minutes or persist up to 24 hours.
TIAs should be treated urgently, as they are often a warning sign you are at risk of having a full stroke in the near future.
Seek medical advice as soon as possible, even if your symptoms get better.
Certain conditions increase the risk of having a stroke, including:
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• high cholesterol
• irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation)
• diabetes
Treatment
The stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognised and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they do not arrive at the hospital in time.
Treatment depends on the type of stroke you have, including which part of the brain was affected and what caused it.
Strokes are usually treated with medication. This includes medicines to prevent and dissolve blood clots, reduce blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels.
In some cases, procedures may be required to remove blood clots. Surgery may also be required to treat brain swelling and reduce the risk of further bleeding if this was the cause of your stroke.
Prevention
Anyone can have a stroke at any age, but certain things can increase your chances of having a stroke. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from a stroke is to understand your risk and how to control it.
While you cannot control your age or family history, you can take steps to lower your chances of having a stroke.
You can help prevent stroke by making healthy choices and controlling any health conditions you may have.
Many strokes could be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes – and working with your healthcare team to control health conditions that raise your risk for stroke.
Many common medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease, can increase your chances of having a stroke. Work with your healthcare team to control your risk. You can significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke by:
• eating a healthy diet
• taking regular exercise
• following the recommended guidelines on alcohol intake (not drinking more than fourteen units a week)
• not smoking
Conclusion
A stroke is a common cause for individuals seeking medical attention. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Prompt action can reduce brain damage and other complications. Effective treatments are now available for strokes, and there are treatments that can also help prevent disability from stroke. Treatment has the best results if started as soon as signs and symptoms develop.
If you notice any signs or symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to come and go, or disappear completely, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 right away. Do not wait to see if symptoms stop. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
