Thursday, November 20, 2008
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STROKE AND TIA
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies a certain part of the brain becomes clogged with a blood clot or plaque, or when a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding (caused by high blood pressure or a weak blood vessel). The brain cells in the affected area become damaged or die, and that area of the brain could lose its function (like speech, memory, or balance). The symptoms last from a few minutes to a few hours. A TIA occurs when a blood vessel becomes clogged or partially clogged for a few minutes but may not cause any damage-it is a warning sign of a possible stroke!
What are the signs or symptoms of a stroke
How is a stroke diagnosed?
How are strokes treated?
Therapy
How can I protect myself from having a stroke?
What is stroke or TIA?
A stroke is sometimes referred to as a “brain attack”. It occurs when there is a sudden disruption in the flow of blood to an area of the brain. A TIA is a transient ischemic attack that is sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke” or “warning strokes”.
How does a stroke or TIA happen?
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies a certain part of the brain becomes clogged with a blood clot or plaque, or when a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding (caused by high blood pressure or a weak blood vessel). The brain cells in the affected area become damaged or die, and that area of the brain could lose its function (like speech, memory, or balance). The symptoms last from a few minutes to a few hours. A TIA occurs when a blood vessel becomes clogged or partially clogged for a few minutes but may not cause any damage-it is a warning sign of a possible stroke!
What are the signs or symptoms of a stroke
Stroke symptoms may last from a few minutes to a number of hours. If you have any of these symptoms get medical attention immediately! The sooner a stroke can be diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. Call your doctor or paramedics if:
· You suddenly feel weak on one side of your body, feel weakness in one arm, hand, or leg.
· You loose feeling or feel numb on one side of your face or body.
· Trouble seeing in one or both eyes; double visioin.
· You notice you are having a difficult time talking or a difficult time understanding what is being said.
· You suddenly have difficulty walking, feel dizzy, or lose your balance.
· You have a sudden severe headache
How is a stroke diagnosed?
The doctor will first do a physical exam. A number of tests may be ordered to confirm or help with a diagnosis:
· EKG (electrocardiogram) of the heart
· CT SCAN (computerized tomography)- a painless technique that uses a special camera to take pictures of the brain to assess any damage a stroke may have caused. Sometimes this damage may not be evident until 24-48 hours after symptoms were noticed, so a second CT scan may be done a day or two later.
· MRI (magnetic resonance image)- a different type of scan that also takes “pictures” of the brain.
· EEG (electroencephalogram)- similar to an EKG but it measures the electrical activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
How are strokes treated?
Treatment begins as soon as the stroke is diagnosed.
Medications:
If the stroke is caused by a blood clot, medications that prevent the blood clot from becoming larger will be started. These medications are called anticoagulants or “blood thinners”. The blood is not “thinner” but appears thinner because it will not clot as quickly as it normally would. The body can dissolve the clot on its own, but it takes a number of days. A medication to dissolves clots may be started (sometimes called “clot busters”) and is usually given over a short time.
If the stroke is caused by a blood vessel that burst and started to bleed, either from a high blood pressure or a weakened blood vessel, medications that help lower the blood pressure will be started. In this case, sometimes surgery is needed on that blood vessel.
Therapy
As soon as possible, various types of therapies are begun.
· Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles and improves balance.
· Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy helps to improve hand-eye coordination that is needed to eat, dress, and strengthen skills needed for daily living.
· Speech therapy: Speech therapy helps individuals who may have lost the ability to speak or understand language.
How can I protect myself from having a stroke?
There are a number of things that you can do to improve your health and decrease the possibility of having a stroke.
· Have you blood pressure checked periodically. Your doctor will tell you if your blood pressure is too high and if you need medications to lower it. Blood pressure is considered high if the top number is above 140 and the bottom number is above 90.
· Follow a low fat, low salt, balanced diet. Avoid or decrease your caffeine and alcohol use.
· If you are overweight, use a proper weight loss diet and exercise to lose the excess weight. Exercise will also help protect your body from a stroke.
· Stop smoking. Smoking raises blood pressure, and increases risk for heart disease and lung diseases.
· Have regular check ups with your doctor. Follow you doctor’s orders for treatments and medications. Do not stop taking any medications without asking your doctor first.
· If you have any signs or symptoms of a stroke, call the paramedics immediately.
Early intervention is the key to a good outcome if you are having a stroke. The goal is to restore your health to the highest level possible. Progress varies from person to person. Recovery may be evident within days, weeks, or may take months. Maintaining optimal health to keep the body as strong as possible will help tremendously during recovery.