Torres: With strokes, time is brain
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 13, 2020
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While COVID-19 has certainly (and rightly so) gotten most of our health-related attention as of late, it is important that we take note that May is National Stroke Awareness Month. According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of long-term disability.
Remember: Time is brain. Every second counts, as nearly two million brains cells die each minute that a stroke is left untreated. Quick medical care can make the difference between recovery and death or permanent disability.
Types of Stroke
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini stroke, is a major warning sign. A TIA occurs when something temporarily blocks blood flow to the brain. People often don’t realize they’ve suffered a TIA.
Ischemic strokes, which account for about 87 percent of all strokes, happen when a clot interrupts blood flow to the brain. Clots are often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits on the inner lining of a blood vessel. Unlike with a TIA, the clot doesn’t go away without treatment.
The most serious type is hemorrhagic stroke that results from a blood vessel in the brain rupturing and spilling blood into surrounding tissue. Surgery is often required to stop the bleeding or reduce brain pressure.
Warning Signs
Know the signs of a stroke and act F.A.S.T if you observe:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Time to quickly call 911 if someone is having a stroke
Stroke Risks
In the southeastern Stroke Belt, of which Louisiana is part, the risk for stroke is about 34 percent higher. Risk factors are typically the same as for heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions. To reduce risks:
- Manage blood pressure. High blood pressure causes the highest risk for stroke.
- Control cholesterol.
- Reduce blood sugar.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, low in saturated and trans fats and high fiber can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
- Stay active. Physical activity helps you stay at a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Set a goal for at least 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases the chance of having a stroke.
- Limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. A general guide is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink for women.
People with diabetes and atrial fibrillation have a higher risk for stroke. Women also tend to be at greater risk, due to depression, stress, hormones, pregnancy and childbirth. African-Americans tend to suffer stroke at younger ages.
Recovering from Stroke
Rehabilitation is key to helping patients rebuild their strength and overcome effects resulting from a stroke. Thibodaux Regional Rehabilitation Center offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services that include physical, occupational and speech therapy. Inpatient Rehabilitation services as well as the Stroke Specialty Program have received the highest accreditation from CARF.
You can contact Jan Torres at Thibodaux Regional Health System Rehabilitation Center at https://www.thibodaux.com/centers-services/rehabilitation-center/, or for more information, call (985) 493-4731 for inpatient services or (985) 493-4782 for outpatient services.