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Stroke Symptoms: Act FAST!
Written by Jeff Walls
Monday, 22 August 2011 15:00
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   Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Know the symptoms of stroke and act FASTPreviously, we discussed some of the common risk factors that could lead to stroke, whether they be controllable or non-controllable.  Just as important as taking every precaution possible to avoid a stroke, it is equally important to know the signs of a stroke as they happen.  Whether you are the one experiencing these symptoms or you suspect a loved is or has experienced them, time is crucial when it comes to seeking medical attention.  The National Stroke Association (NSA) has listed several symptoms to look for that indicate a stroke is/has occurred:

  • SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg-especially on only 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
  • SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause

If you suspect that someone you are with is experiencing one or more of these signs, the NSA also provides a quick test they call  Act F.A.ST.:

  • Face-ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
  • Arms-ask the person t raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech-ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are their words slurred? Can they repeat the
    •        sentence correctly?
  • Time-If the person shows ANY of these symptoms, time is important.  Call 911 or get them to a
    •         hospital quickly. Brain cells are dying.

It is important to keep in mind that not every warning sign will occur in every case of stroke.  It is also very important to know the time when the symptoms first started to appear.  Doctors will want to know this information and it can help in determining the kind of care and treatment that will best aid the individual.  It is also common for the person suffering the stroke to be in denial. They may attribute the symptoms to something else and even refuse to seek medical attention. It is important to act regardless.  Get them to a physician as quickly as possible.

In the final part of this series, we will cover the recovery issues that one will face if they have suffered a stroke.  From rehabilitation to prevention of recurrent strokes, we will discuss the many physical and undoubtedly, emotional changes that may occur.  As always, we look forward to any comments and feedback.  Have you or someone you know had a stroke?  What were the symptoms experienced? By sharing your experiences, you could help save someone else who finds themselves in a similar situation.

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Stroke Risk Factors
Written by Jeff Walls
Thursday, 04 August 2011 15:52
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     Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Stroke Risk FactorsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States and though most occur in people over 65, they can can occur at any age.   As a community resource, Crestwood Care Centre provides helpful and important information on health and well being.  Crestwood Care Centre is also a community leader in stroke rehabilitation and long term care for stroke survivors. Through this forum, we wil be discussing stroke in 3 parts; risk, symptoms and recovery, beginning with risk.
     There are many factors that play into an individual's risk level.  As mentioned above, a stroke can occur in anyone at any age, however, there are definite groups that are at a higher risk. The National Stroke Association breaks these risk factors into 2 main categories; controllable and uncontrollable.  The Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-alcohol consumption can lead to strokecontrollable risk factors are also divided into 2 categories, lifestyle and medical:
Controllable Risk Factors

Medical:   

  • High Blood Pressure
     
  • Atrial Fibrillation
     
  • High Cholesterol
     
  • Diabetes                                                                                                                Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Smoking can lead to increased risk of stroke

Lifestyle:  

  • Tobacco Use (smoking, dip, etc...)
     
  • Alcohol Use
     
  • Physical Inactivity
     
  • Obesity

These are all risk factors that can be controlled with medications and/or changes in lifestyle.  Obviously, by making lifestyle changes early, you can reduce the chances of ever needing medical/medication control later on.
     The second category, covers the risk factors that cannot be changed in any way.Crestwood Care Centre-Crestwood, IL-Obesity can lead to stroke
Uncontrollable Risk Factors

  •            Age
  •            Gender
  •            Race
  •            Family History
  •            Previous Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
  •            Fibro muscular Dysplasia
  •            PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale; a hole in the heart)

 


Statistics show that the majority of strokes occur in the over 55 age group, in males and in African-Americans, Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders. Even though these factors listed above cannot be changed, it is still important to be aware of them, so that you can recognize signs or symptoms of a stroke.  Talk to your doctor and make sure that he/she has a complete history of stroke in your family, as well as accurate details of your lifestyle. 

Next, we will discuss the symptoms of stroke.  This will include things to look for if you think you are having/had one or you think a loved one is having/had one.  We encourage everyone to please leave their comments or stories regarding stroke.  Have you or a loved one suffered a stroke?  What were your risk factors? 

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