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Stroke
What
is a stroke? A stroke
occurs when the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain is suddenly interrupted.
There are two types of stroke: 1) Ischemic stroke which is caused by the
buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in a brain artery, or by a blood clot
which blocks blood flow in a brain artery; or 2) Hemorrhagic stroke which is
caused by a sudden rupture of an artery leading to the brain. When blood flow
ceases to the brain, the brain receives no oxygen. This can cause temporary
or permanent brain damage, and with time, can result in death. What
are the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke? A stroke can
cause several different symptoms. Do not ignore them…every second
counts. Stroke, treated early, can increase your chance of survival and
diminish the likelihood of permanent brain damage. Be aware of
the following symptoms and signs of stroke:
Do not
ignore the warning signs of a stroke. If you or someone you know is
experiencing any of the above symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 to get to
emergency hospital care as quickly as possible. How
is a stroke detected? A stroke is
usually detected too late…that is, when a patient reaches the emergency
room. However, if you experience early symptoms of a stroke, there are
imaging tests that can determine if you are having a stroke or need treatment
to prevent one. Stroke is a progressive
disease caused by several cardiovascular risk factors. These include family
history of stroke, old age, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, overweight, lack of exercise, and stress. We invite you to take
a simple, free risk assessment to evaluate your own risk factors. If you are at
risk for stroke (e.g. have multiple risk factors), talk to your physician. He
or she can perform any of the following imaging tests to detect cardiovascular
disease early and prevent a stroke. These imaging studies include:
What
are the treatment options for a stroke? The best
medicine for treatment of stroke is prevention. This means making lifestyle
changes to reduce your cardiovascular risk factors. A stroke occurs when
fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the arteries leading to your brain.
This is called peripheral vascular disease, and is progressive--meaning the
plaque accumulates over time. But if you modify your risk factors that
contribute to peripheral vascular disease (and coronary artery disease as
well), you can maintain, and in some cases, reverse the effects of the
disease. Should you or
someone you know have a stroke, a treatment plan will be developed specific
to the severity of your condition. Your doctor will monitor your health
carefully to prevent further brain damage. Then your doctor may recommend
therapy to deal with consequences of stroke. This may include physical,
speech and occupational therapy. |
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