Why You Need Fast Stroke Care
The brain's blood supply is reduced during a stroke, causing oxygen and nutrient loss. Since brain cells can die in mere minutes, strokes are medical emergencies that require prompt evaluation and treatment.
New research presented at the 2021 American Stroke Association conference claims it costs us eight weeks of healthy life for every 10-minute delay between emergency room arrival and treatment. So, it's vital to get to the ER as soon as possible.
The CDC suggests stroke patients might get diagnosed and treated more quickly if they arrive in an ambulance since care would start en route to the hospital.
Types of Strokes
There are two main types of stroke. Ischemic strokes are the most common and occur when arteries supplying blood to the brain become blocked. The clot narrows or completely blocks the artery, reducing blood flow. Hemorrhagic strokes develop when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, which causes internal bleeding. Both types of stroke cause similar symptoms.
Warning Signs
The warning signs of stroke appear suddenly and may impact a person's ability to walk, understand others, move their limbs, see or speak normally. Many people also experience dizziness and a sudden, severe headache.
The American Stroke Association created the acronym FAST (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) to help people remember stroke symptoms. If one side of a loved one's face sags or if they are unable to lift one or both arms or speak clearly, do not waste time. Call 911 immediately.
Treatment
Your care team will ask about the onset of your symptoms and perform tests to determine which kind of stroke you suffered.
Those may include heart and blood pressure tests as well as a neurological exam to examine the effect the stroke had on your nervous system. Your physician will also order brain imagining, such as a CT scan or MRI, to locate any brain bleeding.
In the case of an ischemic stroke, you may receive a "clot-busting" medication called a thrombolytic to improve your recovery chances. Other treatments include surgeries that repair damage or stop further blood loss.
Rehabilitation
The CDC reports 25% of stroke survivors have another stroke within five years. Your doctor will work with you to treat the cause of your initial stroke, such as hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol. Before you return home, the hospital will provide resources and referrals to support your long-term rehabilitation.
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