Act Fast! Strokes Treatable if Caught Early
Strokes are the leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in America. In many cases, however, they don't have to be disabling or deadly. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and acting quickly may help you or your loved one escape the damaging effects of a "brain attack."
"There are treatments available now that can effectively prevent a stroke," says Marc R. Mayberg, M.D., a Seattle neurologist. "Yet in order for this to happen, it's crucial that people seek medical attention at the first signs of trouble."
Blood flow problems
Strokes are caused by problems with the circulation of blood in the brain. Blood circulation to the brain can be affected by either a hemorrhage, when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), or a blockage, when a clot blocks the flow of blood (ischemic stroke).
When one of these problems occurs, a person may experience one or more symptoms that happen suddenly. The symptoms may continue or they may disappear within minutes to hours. Warning signs to be aware of include:
Numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, often on one side of the body
Episodes of dizziness
Loss of vision in one eye or double vision
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Severe, sudden headache
"Call 911 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away and you feel fine again," Dr. Mayberg stresses. "Every minute is crucial and can make the difference in being able to prevent a real stroke from occurring or reducing the amount of disability."
Specific treatment
Once warning symptoms are recognized, doctors can begin appropriate treatment. Treatments for strokes are very specific, and depend upon the type, size, and location of the blockage or disruption of blood flow in the brain, Dr. Mayberg says. They may include the use of powerful drugs to dissolve brain clots or reduce and prevent hemorrhaging.
"A stroke expert is needed to evaluate and determine the best treatment for each person," Dr. Mayberg says.
Although anyone can have a stroke, certain factors can place a person at higher risk. These factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, family history of stroke, irregular heartbeat (particularly atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation), and a narrowing of the arteries. Dr. Mayberg suggests that people with one or more risk factors receive a stroke screening test from their health care provider. The screening can include a review of medical history, a physical exam, an ultrasound exam of the neck to detect blood flow disturbances in the carotid arteries, and blood tests for blood sugar and cholesterol levels (lipid profile).
"People know to act quickly during a heart attack, and we're trying to get people to do the same during a 'brain attack' or stroke," Dr. Mayberg stresses. "Quick action and early treatment can make a profound difference for a person's health."
Stroke prevention is also important. You can help prevent a stroke by getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. Keep chronic health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure under control by taking your medications and getting regular checkups.
