Stroke
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain damage, disability, or even death. The interruption of blood flow can happen due to a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured one (hemorrhagic stroke). There is also a type of stroke called transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain.
Signs & Symptoms
Recognizing the signs and symptoms as soon as possible is essential to identify a stroke.
A stroke is a medical emergency. Know the symptoms, call 911 immediately, and save a life.
Every minute counts for a stroke victim.
Remember the acronym: BE FAST
B = BALANCE: Sudden loss of balance
E = EYES: Sudden vision changes
F = FACE: Sudden face drooping
A = ARMS: Sudden arm/leg weakness
S = SPEECH: Sudden slurred or garbled speech
T = TIME: Time is crucial. Call 911
Risk Factors
Modifiable: Refers to conditions that can be managed through medical treatment or personal efforts.
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Atrial fibrillation
Smoking
Obesity and physical inactivity
Drug use
Unmodifiable: Refers to conditions that cannot be changed or controlled.
Age
Family history
Race
Prior TIA or Stroke
Prevention
Reducing the risk of having a stroke is possible by adopting healthy lifestyle practices like consuming a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, refraining from smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and regulating chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Treatment
In the event of a stroke, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention, as doing so can increase the likelihood of successful recovery. Treatment for stroke may include administering medication to dissolve blood clots or performing surgery to repair impaired blood vessels.
Recovery
Recovering from a stroke can be a prolonged process, and undergoing rehabilitation, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, can enhance functionality and overall quality of life.
Did you know?
Every year, more than 800,000 people in the US have a stroke
1 in 4 adults older than 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime
Every year, 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke
Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke
87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes in the US
Stroke is responsible for over 6 million deaths annually worldwide
Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke in the US
80% of strokes are preventable
References:
American Stroke Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
World Health Organization
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