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Do You Know the Signs of a Stroke? If You Do, You Could
Save a Life
Most people can't recognize the early warning signs of a stroke, according
to the results of a study recently published in the British Medical Journal.
People in the study were stroke sufferers who didn't connect their symptoms
to a stroke, and had waited from hours to days to see if the symptoms
would disappear. If you don't know the symptoms of a stroke, it's important
to learn.
Early Detection Can Improve Recovery
An estimated 600,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. It is the third
leading cause of death, killing about 160,000 per year and permanently
disabling many more.
But with early detection and treatment, complete recovery is possible,
according to John R. Marler, M.D., Associate Director for Clinical Trials
at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders (NINDS). Stroke patients
who get to the hospital within 3 hours of the first symptoms are given
a clot-dissolving drug that may mean the difference between disability
and full recovery.
And stroke's warning signs are not difficult to recognize. "Stroke
is an unmistakable event," says Marler. "Few other medical conditions
come on so suddenly or are so noticeable to a bystander."
NINDS lists the following stroke warning signs:
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sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially
on one side of the body |
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sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech |
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sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes |
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sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination |
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sudden severe headache with no known cause. |
Understanding Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen to the brain bursts
or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. This event deprives
the brain of oxygen and causes nerve cells to die. When nerve cells can't
function, the part of the body controlled by these nerves can't function
either.
The following factors increase the risk of stroke, according to the American
Stroke Association:
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High blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is
the most important risk factor for stroke. Effective treatment for
high blood pressure, including eating a healthy diet, maintaining
a normal body weight, exercising, and taking medication (if necessary),
is the best way to lower blood pressure and decrease stroke risk.
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Cigarette smoking. The nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette
smoke damages the cardiovascular system in many ways. Additionally,
smoking while using an oral contraceptive greatly increases stroke
risk. The best solution is to quit smoking. |
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Heart disease. Those with heart disease face more than twice
the risk for stroke than those who don't have heart disease. Medications
are available to help prevent clots. |
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Diabetes. Diabetes by itself is a risk factor for stroke and
is strongly associated with high blood pressure. Many people with
diabetes are overweight, and have high cholesterol, which increases
their risk of stroke even more. Controlling blood sugars on a regular
basis goes far toward prevention of stroke and other complications
associated with diabetes. |
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Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). TIAs are "mini-strokes"
that produce stroke-like symptoms but cause no lasting damage. They
are strong predictors of future stroke. A person who's had one or
more TIAs is almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone
who has not. Never ignore symptoms suspected to be associated with
stroke. |
Learn More About Stroke
To learn more about stroke's early warning signs, detection, and prevention,
visit the Web sites of these trusted organizations:
References
1. "General
Public Fails to Recognise Early Symptoms of Stroke," British
Medical Journal. 324:1065, May 4, 2002.
2. "About
Stroke," American Stroke Association, 2002.
3. "Impact
of Stroke," American Stroke Association, 2002.
4. "What
Is Stroke?" American Stroke Association, 2002.
5. "What
Are the Risk Factors of Stroke?" American Stroke Association,
2002.
6. "What
Are the Effects of Stroke?" American Stroke Association, 2002.
Source of Material: Rockhill Communications, 14 Rock Hill
Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040, http://www.rockhillcommunications.com
Writer: Gary Gilles
Editors: Diane Frantz-Miller, Erin Murphy
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D.
Date Written: 5/17/02
Last Revised: 5/31/02
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