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A stroke is a medical condition in which blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to the death of cells in the brain. With immediate treatment, a patient suffering from Stroke has a high chance of surviving and recovering. Stroke affects the normal functioning of the brain such as speech, thinking, mobility, and vision just to name a few. The main types of stroke are ischemic, caused by strained blood flow, and hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding. Here are 7 important facts about stroke that everyone should know.
1. Who can Get a Stroke?
The common belief that only older adults are at risk of having a stroke is a fallacy. In actuality, anyone in the current times is at risk of stroke, whether young or old. People of all ages can get a stroke, even children. Knowing this is important for everyone to be alert and ready in case this condition strikes, especially those who have family members who are considered high risks such as those who are prone to heart disease. Living with false assumptions can be dangerous and costly so having the correct facts is of utmost importance. It is essential to look out for any symptoms and act on them immediately despite the patient’s age.
2. Time is of Great Essence
For every patient, time is crucial in ensuring their recovery. Any delay in response to an attack can cause more damage to the patient. The brain is deprived of oxygen and blood rich in nutrients, leading to brain cell death. This makes every minute after a Stroke vital. Faster response and treatment can help increase the chances of recovery. It is essential to recognize all the signs of Stroke so that when it hits, you are aware and can get the necessary help immediately.
3. Common Symptoms
The acronym F.A.S.T (Face, Arms, Speech, and Time) is commonly used to refer to most stroke patients’ symptoms. It has to do with the face, arms, speech, and time. On the face part, one may experience difficulty smiling, lifting both arms could also be a problem, and inability to pronounce different phrases where one repeatedly pronounces a simple phrase. The last acronym, T, is for time to show just how important time is in this condition. When you notice these symptoms, you should call 911 immediately to have an ambulance rush you to the hospital. This way, time is saved, and recovery is possible.
Stroke causes numbness or swift weakness to the face, arms, or legs, particularly on one side of the body. Other common signs that stroke patients may experience are difficulty or confusion in speech or perception, loss of vision or dimness, difficulty in balance or coordination, movement or walking problems, seizures or loss of consciousness, and migraines with no other underlying causes. Thinking and acting fast on the occasion any of these signs and symptoms are noticed can help save lives and help with faster recovery.
4. Treatment Options for Stroke
As already discussed, there are two significant types of Stroke ischemic and hemorrhagic. The treatment of Stroke, therefore, depends on its type. Ischemic is when blood flow to the brain is prevented by a clot, while hemorrhagic is when a blood vessel that circulates blood to the brain breaks and bleeds.
In the case of ischemic Stroke, thrombolytic therapy must be administered within three hours of the attack. Thrombolytic therapy is also referred to as clot-busting, and it is the best option, but if it is not effective other methods can be used. Other less invasive treatments include using a mesh stent retrieve that removes the clot from the brain and restores normal blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic Stroke, on the contrary, requires the source of bleeding to be repaired and control of pressure in the skull to keep blood under regular flow.
5. Prevention is Essential
The famous saying that prevention is better than cure applies to this condition too. Stroke can be prevented most of the time by identifying and controlling its risk factors like obesity, smoking, atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, and general physical inactivity among others. If you have any of these, it is essential to talk to your doctor about how to address and reduce the risk of stroke.
6. Recovery Signs to Note
Stroke recovery is different and varies with every patient, just as there are different types of the disease. Understanding some of the most popular terms that come during recovery is essential to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. When recovering, the first three months are usually fast; after that, recovery may slow down. It is essential to understand this to avoid worrying when the process slows down.
Recovery may also come with the ability to perform daily living activities like eating, bathing, walking and etc., which you otherwise depended on other people to help you with. The brain requires a lot of energy to heal after a traumatic experience, which could make you sleepy and tired most of the time. The transition from using compensation techniques to performing tasks freely like before the Stroke is a vital sign of recovery. The twitching of muscles is also a great sign of recovery.
A physical therapist plays a critical role in the path to stroke recovery. They can prescribe exercises to help aid address any lasting effects their stroke has had on their mobility and quality of life.
7. Stroke can Strike at Any Time and in Any Place
Be aware that Stroke can strike at any time and place, so it is important to know how to prevent it and what to do when it occurs. The actions taken after a stroke can determine if one survives or succumbs to it, so it is good to be able to recognize its symptoms and get treatment for it immediately.
Closing Thoughts
Stroke is among the leading causes of death not just in the United States but globally as well. Understanding its nature and how to prevent and treat it is essential. When well-managed, patients can recover and return to their usual ways of life.