How to survive a stroke

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A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini stroke,” is caused by a temporary clot. Signs and symptoms are the same as a stroke yet are not permanent. TIAs are the greatest indicator of impending strokes and should not be ignored.

 

Stroke recognition

The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can’t reach the region that controls a particular body function, it won’t work, as it should. 

  The AHA uses the mnemonic F.A.S.T. to help remember the signs of stroke. Signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

Facial droop — Ask the person to smile and stick out their tongue. Is it uneven?

Arm weakness — Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech difficulty — Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak?

Time — Get immediate treatment at first onset of symptoms.

  Other signs and symptoms include, but aren’t limited to, isolated numbness or paralysis, vision problems, memory loss, speech/language problems, and altered mental status. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, poor diets, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and high stress, are at an increased risk for a stroke. 

Prior to a hemorrhagic stroke people have complained of an unbearable headache.

The outcome of a stroke depends on where the stroke occurs, how much of the brain is affected, and the time it takes to be treated. Smaller strokes may result in minor problems, such as weakness in an arm or leg. Major strokes may lead to paralysis or death. Any change of lifestyle from a stroke will bring many challenges.

Treatment

An ischemic stroke is treated by restoring blood flow to the brain, normally by using a blood clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). Additionally, surgical procedures may be performed that can open up or widen arteries.

There is a short window of opportunity to treat this stroke before it becomes irreversible. Due to its associated risks, there is a narrow window of treatment and it should be given with in three hours of the first onset of symptoms.

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