Minutes Matter: Recognizing the Signs of Stroke
10/28/2022
A severe headache, difficulty seeing, confusion, or fumbling to find words — these stroke symptoms are often mistakenly blamed on other illnesses or medications, especially in people younger than 65.
That’s especially concerning given the increasing incidence of stroke in younger adults. According to research presented earlier this year at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference, the number of strokes in those age 75+ is declining but is increasing in younger and middle-aged adults (age 49 and under) in certain geographic regions — primarily the South and Midwest. This trend is attributed to the rise in obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure among younger age groups.
Preventive measures such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation and learning the signs and symptoms of stroke may help save lives and minimize related disability.
Understanding Strokes
Approximately 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, and one person dies from a stroke every four minutes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the fifth leading cause of death in the country and is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. In addition, about 23% of people who recover from their first stroke will have another stroke within five years.
Patrick Gray, M.D., stroke medical director for AllianceHealth Ponca City, states, “Strokes are caused by a blood clot in an artery flowing to the brain or by weakened blood vessels breaking and bleeding into the brain tissue. It is imperative that patients receive immediate treatment in any of these situations because early intervention can save a life and minimize long-term effects.”
The area of the brain affected by a stroke determines what bodily functions are impacted. Stroke victims may lose permanent memory, speech, balance, fine motor skills and control over some muscles or entire limbs on one side of the body. A person’s personality or behavior can also be affected or changed. The Stroke Awareness Foundation estimates that 7 million stroke survivors are living in the U.S. today, and two-thirds of them are disabled.
Act Quickly
A major stroke can kill nearly 2 million brain cells a minute. That’s why acting quickly when symptoms first appear is so important. Patients who receive clot-busting drugs within three hours of initial symptoms reduce the likelihood of long-term disability. Call 9-1-1 and try to recall the time that symptoms first appeared. The quicker medical care is received, the greater a stroke victim’s chances are of surviving.
Patrick Gray, M.D., serves as the stroke medical director and internal medicine specialist for AllianceHealth Ponca City.
To help the community live healthier, AllianceHealth Ponca City launched a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at https://www.alliancehealthponcacity.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
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