What are the warning signs?

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. One of every 18 deaths can be attributed to stroke, while many more lose their mobility, memory,speech or sight. With the actual number of stroke deaths having declined 13.5 percent over the last decade, the question of how to enhance the quality of life for those who survive takes on increasing importance.

Stroke affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When this happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, and starts to die. This can result in paralysis, vision loss, memory loss, speech and language problems, and behavioral changes on others for the simplest of things – eating, dressing, grooming, walking. As a result, Parkinson’s disease often affects the entire family.

Stroke tends to affect older people, but it can strike people of any age. While risk factors such as increasing age and family history cannot be changed, people can lower the likelihood of a stroke by
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Those factors that can be controlled include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol intake, and illegal drug use.

F.A.S.T.

The acronym F.A.S.T is a good way for people to remember the signs and symptoms of stroke since, with stroke, every minute counts. This stands for: 

F

FACE

During a stroke, the face will appear to droop and show an uneven smile.

A

ARM

During a stroke, arms will often time become numb and/or weak.

S

SPEECH

During a stroke, speech will become slurred or difficult to understand.

T

TIME

Time, is key, with 911 needing to be called at the first sign.

When a Stroke Occurs

Evidence has shown that early admission to an intensive rehabilitation program reduces mortality for stroke patients and ultimately correlates with better functional outcomes. This is particularly important during the first months after a stroke when the greatest potential for recovery is still present.

Prognostic indicators include the type, amount, and location of the brain injury; age; the first stroke occurrence; preservation of sensation in the affected side; early motor recovery of affected limbs; early recovery of bowel and bladder control; patient motivation; absence of depression or cognitive impairments; and good family or social support.

Deciding on the appropriate facility (e.g. acute inpatient rehab vs. sub-acute nursing home) should be chosen by the family only after there has been an assessment of the patient’s rehabilitation needs. This includes their medical stability, the extent of the services required, their pre-morbid functional status, their ability to learn, and the presence of a realistic discharge plan. Most stroke survivors who were previously independent and who score well on the above criteria should be given an opportunity to benefit from a program that provides a minimum of three hours a day of at
least two rehabilitation disciples (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech), combined under the direction of onsite physicians with a special competency in rehabilitation medicine. The first three to six months following a stroke are critical to the patient’s long-term outcome.

Here’s a look at the most common symptoms of stroke and questions that need to be asked by one witnessing a possible stroke:

  • A severe headache Does it feel like a different type of headache? Like the worst headache of your life?

  • Speech that is slurred Are there problems getting words out or are they not able to speak at all? Does one side of the mouth droop? Does it sound like they have something in their mouth?

  • A problem with balance Do they slump to one side? Are they dragging a foot on the side they are leaning toward?

  • One sign of the body feels weak or numb Can they raise both their arms up together? Are they not able to move one side of the body? Can they feel a touch on their arm?

  • A vision problem Is there a sudden change in your vision? Do you have blurry or double vision?

Diagnostic tests include a CT scan, blood tests, and an electrocardiogram. Additional tests will be conducted to diagnose the cause of the stroke and determine the severity of the stroke (such as MRI, duplex scanning, and angiography). Therapy with clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) must start within 4.5 hours if they are given into the vein, and the sooner, the better. Quick treatment not only improves the chances of survival but also may reduce complications from the stroke.

If you need help caring for a loved one that has suffered a stroke, we are here for you!  Give us a call 602-482-7777.  We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day!