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STROKE INFORMATION
It's really important to learn about strokes and TIAs (mini-strokes) because the FASTER you get attention, the quicker you can be given the meds you may need and that could, in turn, be the difference between minor and major damage. A stroke usually lasts 12-24 hours, but a TIA can be over in an hour or even ten minutes. TIAs are the warning folks are given before a big stroke--and they are one of the predictions that you may have a stroke in the future and need to be seen. Usually a neurologist is called in for a consultation.
A simple thing, like trying to pick up a glass and missing it, or trouble with your speech or dizziness can all be signs of a TIA or stroke. Please don't wait--go to the ER and be checked out. Strokes are serious!
Know when to call 911:
Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body (face arms or leg)
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes (blurred or decreased vision)
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding (sudden change in mental abilities)
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
The Basics:
There are two types of strokes...a clot (or ischemic) stroke, or, a bleeding/bleeder (or hemorrhagic) stroke.
A clot occurs when a blood clot obstructs blood flow to a portion of the brain. It may be a stationary blood clot created on the spot (thrombus), or an embolus, which is formed elsewhere and traveled to the site. This is referred to as an Ischemic Stroke – The blood supply is cut off to part of the brain, either due to atherosclerosis or a blood clot. Infections, inflammation or certain medications can all contribute to ischemic strokes. These strokes are the most common type, causing about 80 percent of all stroke cases.
A bleeding (Hemorrhagic) stroke most often stems from weak arteries or aneurysms in the brain that rupture. (Possibly from the strain of high blood pressure.) These strokes comprise the remaining 20 percent of cases. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused from a ruptured blood vessel, preventing normal blood flow and causing bleeding into an area of the brain. They can be the result of hypertension, which causes excessive pressure on the arterial walls that may already be damaged by arteriosclerosis. A ruptured aneurysm (the rupture of a weakened area in the blood vessel wall), can also cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
Risk Factors for Stroke:
The main controllable risk factors for stroke are:...high blood pressure
...heart disease
...high cholesterol (specifically high LDL)
...sedentary lifestyle
...obesity
...abuse of stimulant drugs (amphetamine, smoking,
...heavy drinking, use of birth control pills and stress)
...cardiovascular problems, atrial fibrillation
...previous stroke or TIAIncidence of stroke INCREASES among people with a history of TIAs (mini strokes) , heart disease (particularly recent heart attack), atrial fibrillation or mitral valve disease), excessive blood clotting, or diabetes.
TIAs are trans-ischemic attacks (mini strokes) and their symptoms, while similar to a full stroke, they do not last too long.
Diagnostic & Test Procedures
When a patient shows stroke-like symptoms, a neurologist must not only confirm the symptoms, but also identify the type of stroke, its location and the extent of brain damage. TREATMENT DECISIONS... HING ON.. ALL THESE ISSUES.
Testing is done quickly, since immediate treatment may limit neurological damage. First, a medical history is taken if possible. The exam includes checking blood vessels in the eyes, listening for unusual noises in the heart and in the prominent carotid arteries of the neck, measuring blood pressure and pulse rate, and testing strength sensation, and neurological reflexes.
CT or MRI scans are the most critical diagnostic tests for stroke. Others imaging tests include MRA, arteriography, transcranial Doppler ultrasound and carotid ultrasound.
(This information was taken in part from MSN.com in association with the Cleveland Clinic.)
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should not be misconstrued as medical advice.
ONLY your doctor can prescribe what is best for you.Updated June 14, 2002