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Stroke: Awareness and Prevention
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When a person has a stroke, it is crucial that he or she receive immediate medical attention. It may literally mean the difference between life and death. Better yet, do everything you can to prevent having a stroke, said Memphis neurologist Dr. Shankar Natarajan, M.D. A stroke is a “brain attack,” caused by lack of blood flow to certain parts of the brain. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. The most common type of stroke, ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. Another type of stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. Symptoms of stroke include sudden onset of:
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know experiences these types of symptoms. If a stroke is diagnosed within three hours of onset, a “clot-busting” drug called TPA can be administered intravenously. (There is a six-hour window in some cases if the drug can be administered intra-arterially.) Don’t think you are OK if you experience stroke symptoms that subside after a short period of time. This may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke”, which may signal the impending onset of a more severe stroke. It requires immediate medical attention so that doctors can find the source of the attack. Immediate treatment can prevent a more serious stroke from occurring. “Once a stroke happens and is over there is not much that can be done other than (rehabilitation) therapy and less powerful medicines,” Dr. Natarajan said. There have been many advances in diagnostic procedures, treatment and rehabilitation therapy, so patients have a better chance of surviving stroke than they did before. Still, the best thing patients can do to protect their health is to take steps to prevent stroke. Stroke risk factors include:
Strokes can happen at any age. Leading a healthy lifestyle is your best protection against a stroke, Dr. Natarajan said. Have regular physical exams, tell your physician if you have a family history of stroke, quit smoking, consume alcohol in moderation, eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you have diabetes, make sure you have your blood sugar levels under control. These steps will help prevent stroke, as well as many other serious health conditions. You will feel better.
Published: April 24, 2008
Source: Dr. Shankar Natarajan, M.D., neurology Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, APR  Top of Page |
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