Doctors know that a stroke can happen to a person at any age. Even a child can have a stroke. But, let's face it, the vast majority of the 750,000 Americans who suffer a stroke each year are seniors.
Annually, May is National Stroke Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness of stroke risk factors, warning signs and prevention measures, especially in the senior population. Stroke prevention is the key element in reducing the number of strokes in this country, and timely stroke care is essential in preventing serious disability.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or a broken blood vessel. Lack of blood and oxygen kills brain cells in the area of the blockage or break, leading to symptoms that may include blindness, loss of speech and paralysis.
In order to minimize the numbers of brain cells killed, it is vital to be aware of stroke symptoms and get treatment immediately. There is treatment, using thrombolytics, or "clot busters," that can improve the outcome of a patient with stroke, but it must be given within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.
Stroke is a "brain attack" and "time is brain," so it is important to recognize the symptoms of stroke and call 911 immediately.
Stroke is a medical emergency; know the symptoms:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg _ especially on one side of the body;
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding;
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; or
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
You'll want to do what you can to reduce your risk of stroke.
The National Stroke Association has developed the following stroke prevention guidelines:
Know your blood pressure. If it is elevated, work with your doctor to control it.
Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). If you do, work with your doctor to manage it.
Stop smoking.
If you drink alcohol, use moderation.
If your cholesterol number is high, work with your doctor to control it.
If you are diabetic, follow your doctor's recommendations to manage it.
Exercise daily.
Eat a lower sodium, lower fat diet.
Find out if you have circulation problems. If you do, work with your doctor to control them.
Prevention of stroke is the best "treatment," of course, but if you think you or a family member might be having a stroke, don't wait, call 911.
For more information about stroke, visit the National Stroke Association's website at www.stroke.org or the American Stroke Association at www.
strokeassociation.org.
Dr. Paul Deringer is an attending neurologist and medical director of Bassett's Stroke Center.
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