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 Stroke
is the leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in
adults. But there is much you can do to minimize your risk of having a
stroke. Moreover, advances in treatment and rehabilitation have improved
the prospects for recovery in people who suffer strokes.
There are two types of stroke: the most common kind is ischemic stroke, which results from a blockage in an artery that prevents blood carrying oxygen from reaching the brain. Less common is hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when blood vessels rupture and blood accumulates in brain tissues, such as from an aneurysm (a pouch in a weak spot of an artery). A stroke damages nerve cells in the brain that control bodily movements and how we receive and interpret sensations. It is vitally important to recognize the signs of stroke and get help immediately. In fact, you and your family should be aware of the following warning signs of an impending stroke:
If you notice one or more of
these signs, don’t wait call 911. Stroke
is an emergency "The only proven theory of successfully treating an ischemic stroke is for treatment to be administered within three hours of symptom onset," stresses Art Pancioli, M.D., member of The University Hospital’s stroke team. "Even within three hours, every minute counts. Earlier is much better than later." If you see a doctor before a stroke occurs, you may be able to prevent it. For example, surgeons can remove blockages in arteries, blood clots or aneurysms, and can prescribe drugs that delay blood clotting or prevent clots from forming. Regular medical check-ups are the best protection against stroke. Your doctor can detect conditions that may predispose you to stroke and can suggest measures to prevent it. Since hypertension is the most important risk factor, be sure your blood pressure is controlled. If you have heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes—other risk factors—you should be working with your doctor to manage those conditions. Stopping smoking reduces the risk of stroke, as does exercising, decreasing alcohol intake and keeping your weight under control. To find out if you are at risk of having a stroke, visit, to fill out an on-line personal stroke risk assessment. For more information on strokes, contact your physician or call The Neuroscience Institute at their toll-free call center at 1-888-797- 4TNI. Cincinnati’s internationally recognized stroke team works with collaborating hospitals in the Tristate area to bring emergency neurology patients the fastest treatment possible. The team of nurses, physicians and scientists provides a multi-faceted service where clinical medicine and research work tightly together. Sources: American Heart Assocation The Health Alliance provides emergency departments throughout the Tristate at its hospitals: The Christ Hospital, The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals (East and West), The Jewish Hospital and The Fort Hamilton Hospital. |
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