Healthy Living Newsletter
Stroke
When Should You Worry?
 Tom’s family first thought he was clowning around when one side of his body suddenly went limp and his speech became slurred. The stroke he suffered wiped away most of his language skills, making it impossible for him to continue as a history instructor.
Striking swiftly and decisively, a stroke can alter the course of a person’s life, often making it impossible to continue living independently. In the United States, it’s the third leading cause of death and the number one reason for disability.
“Strokes become increasingly prevalent after age 55,” explains Nick Reina, MD, a Physiatrist and Medical Director of Mercy Hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation program, “and nearly every senior has some reason to worry. The worry, of course, should be positive, prompting preventive action rather than fear.”
When should you worry about stroke?
“If your doctor has just given you a diagnosis of hypertension, you should think seriously about stroke prevention measures,” says Dr. Reina. “High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke; that’s why it’s imperative to follow to the letter your doctor’s prescription for bringing your blood pressure back to normal.”
At any level, lowering your blood pressure (BP) reduces the risk of stroke - a 42 percent decrease in risk for each 6 mmHg drop in BP, according to one study.
In addition to taking medications, treatment involves exercise, weight control, smoking cessation and a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Sodium intake should be less than 2000 milligrams a day.
“If you have diabetes or a cardiovascular problem such as high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation or carotid artery stenosis, you should work to lower your risk of stroke,” continues Dr. Reina.
A stroke is an interruption of normal blood flow to the brain; caused either by a clot that blocks an artery or a broken blood vessel in the brain. Conditions which damage blood vessels — including diabetes and high cholesterol — increase the risk of both types, and preventive measurer are similar to those recommended for hypertension — a low-fat diet, regular exercise, weight control and smoking cessation. Diabetics should be careful to keep their blood sugar level under control.
“The carotid arteries that run along each side of the neck carry blood to the front part of the brain,” explains Dr. Reina. “When these arteries become blocked, a stroke is a distinct possibility. In addition to diet and exercise, patients with carotid artery stenosis are usually advised to take low-dose aspirin or other anti-platelet medications to reduce the risk of clotting. When the blockage is severe, surgery may be needed.”
For TIA – Take Immediate Action
“If you’ve just had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), you should be seriously concerned about the possibility of stroke,” warns Dr. Reina. “Also known as a mini-stroke, a TIA is caused by temporary blockage of normal blood flow, and the symptoms are generally those of a stroke, although lasting only briefly from a few minutes to a few hours.”
If you suddenly find you can’t move your right arm or can’t remember how to use your computer, your distress is likely to turn to elation when you begin to function normally again. “Don’t spend too much time congratulating yourself;” says Dr. Reina, “get yourself to a doctor quickly because you have a heightened risk of having a stroke. About 10 percent of individuals having a TIA will suffer a stoke within 90 days — many of these within the first 48 hours. Eventually, over a five-year period, about a third will suffer a complete stroke.
“Keep in mind that other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms,” continues Dr. Reina, “so a complete evaluation is necessary. If a TIA is confirmed, your doctor will prescribe aggressive stroke prevention measures.”
What are the symptoms of stroke?
Some strokes occur silently, but when symptoms are present, they include:
- sudden unexplained confusion or loss of consciousness,
- severe headache of sudden onset,
- paralysis, weakness, numbness or loss of coordination on one side of the body,
- sudden loss of vision, foggy vision or double vision,
- slurred speech or sudden inability to find words or understand what is said,
- severe dizziness and loss of balance or coordination.
If you have any of the symptoms of stroke, you should take quick action! “Call 911 immediately,” explains Dr. Reina, “and ask EMS to transport you to the nearest hospital emergency room preferably where stroke and inpatient rehabilitation are provided, such as Mercy Hospital. The fastest access to medical care,” concludes Dr. Reina, “especially at a hospital with a proven track record for treating stroke and with stroke experts on hand, will enhance your chance of survival and success in recovery.”
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