July 8, 2008



TIME IS TISSUE

TIME LOST IS BRAIN LOST.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

A New York State Designated Stroke Center

LET’S TALK ABOUT STROKE

WHAT IS A STROKE?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked or breaks. Oxygen is not getting to the brain and within minutes the brain changes. These changes can be devastating and are often permanent. Brain tissue can not be replaced once it is changed.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF STROKE.

There are three types of stroke. There are many similarities but they are also very different.

Ischemic stroke – most common

Hemorrhagic stroke – most fatal

TIA or transient ischemic attack – a warning of something more serious that could happen

Let’s take a look at each type of stroke.

TIA’s are commonly referred to as “mini strokes”. A TIA is caused by a temporary blockage to a vessel stopping blood flow to the brain. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as a stroke but only last a few minutes. Don’t ignore a TIA. Frequently a TIA is followed by an ischemic stroke.

Ischemic strokes occur when the blood vessel becomes narrowed or clogged and cuts off the blood supply to the brain. The vessel can be clogged with a blood clot or cholesterol build up. This is called an thrombotic stroke. Sometimes a blood clot forms in another part of the body and travels to the brain causing blood flow to stop. This is called an embolic stroke.

Hemorragic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and blood flow is disrupted. Blood gets into the tissue. It is like a bruise you get when striking your arm. When the blood is in between the brain and the skull it is called a subarachnoid hemorrage. When the blood is directly into the tissue of the brain it is called an intracerebral hemorrage.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM HAVING A STROKE?

The warning signs of a stroke are the same no matter what type of stroke you have. You may not experience all the signs or symptoms of a stroke. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms and seek help immediately.

TIME IS TISSUE AND TIME LOST IS BRAIN LOST.

WARNING SIGNS OF A STROKE:

1. Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg. Especially if this occurs on one side of the body.

2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Today there are treatments available that may reduce the damage caused by the most common type of stroke but only if you get help quickly. Treatment for an ischemic stroke has to be within three (3) hours of the onset of symptoms. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms and be evaluated.

Strokes can be prevented.

By controlling certain risk factors and modifying your lifestyle you reduce the chance of having a stroke. Some risk factors you cannot change or control.

Risk factors that can not be changed or controlled:

1. Increasing age

Stroke affects people of all ages. The older you get the greater your risk of having a stroke.

2. Gender

More men then women have strokes but women die more frequently after having one.

3. Heredity and race

Having a close blood relative that has had a stroke increases your risk of having one. African Americans have a higher risk of death and disability then whites. Hispanic Americans are also at a higher risk of having a stroke.

4. Previous stroke

If you have had a stroke you are at a higher risk of another one.

Risk factors that can be changed or controlled:

1. High blood pressure

This is the most important risk factor to control. It is the number 1 cause of stroke.

You are at a higher risk if you eat too much salt, drink too much alcohol, smoke, are overweight, are physically inactive or have a family history of high blood pressure.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes increases your risk of having a stroke if your blood sugar is constantly elevated. The blood vessels in your brain are most often affected.

3. Carotid or other artery disease

The carotid arteries in your neck supply most of the blood to your brain. Damage caused by fatty buildup inside the artery can cause blockages and stroke.

4. Atrial fibrillation or other heart disease

When the heart doesn’t pump effectively blood can pool and clot, increasing the risk of a stroke. Other types of heart disease can increase the risk of stroke too.

5. Certain blood disorders

Having a high red blood cell count makes clots more likely. Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia causes the blood to stick to the blood vessel walls and clog them.

6. TIA’s

Recognizing and treating TIA’s can reduce the risk of a major stroke. Know the warning signs and seek treatment immediately.

7. Tobacco use

Cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause damage to the blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke.

8. High cholesterol

Fatty build-up can clog an artery causing a stroke.

9. Physical inactivity and obesity

Both of these risk factors increases your chance of having cardiovascular disease.

10. Excessive alcohol intake

More than an average of one drink per day for women and two per day for men raises your blood pressure. Binge drinking can also lead to stroke.

11. llegal drug use

Intravenous drug use carries a high risk of stroke. Cocaine use has been linked to sudden cardiac arrest and stroke.

Talk to your doctor, nurse or other health care provider about your risk factors, before starting any exercise program and advice on how to change your lifestyle.

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