Stroke is a serious medical emergency that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the CDC, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States. Meanwhile, someone dies from a stroke every 3.5 minutes.
It is also the leading cause of long-term disability, with many survivors suffering from permanent physical and cognitive impairments. Understanding stroke signs and symptoms, as well as risk factors and treatment options, is critical for preventing and managing the condition.
What You Need to Know About Strokes
A stroke occurs when an artery in the body is blocked or a cerebral artery ruptures. As a result, the brain receives less oxygen and nutrients, which can cause severe damage to the affected area.
According to Healthline, the type of stroke caused by a blocked artery is an ischemic stroke, whereas the type caused by a ruptured artery is a hemorrhagic stroke.
The symptoms of a stroke vary depending on the location and severity of the damage, but some common signs include the following:
- numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body;
- difficulty speaking or understanding others;
- sudden confusion and mental fogginess;
- sudden vision problems in one or both eyes;
- sudden dizziness, incoordination, and difficulty walking;
- and sudden migraine headaches.
Women may also experience fatigue, headaches, mental fogginess, memory problems, nausea, and vomiting before a stroke.
Save Love Ones with BEFAST
When it comes to stroke, prompt and adequate medical attention is critical because it can reduce the chances of long-term disability and death.
As reported by CNET, the acronym BEFAST is a valuable tool that guides you through recognizing if someone is having a stroke and what to do next.
"B" stands for balance, "E" stands for eyes, "F" stands for face, "A" stands for arms, "S" stands for speech, and "T" stands for time.
If the person experiences a sudden loss of balance, vision problems, drooping on one side of the face, weakness in one arm, slurred speech, or any other symptom, call 911 right away.
Prevent Stroke with a Better Lifestyle
A number of factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, heart disease, and diabetes, can cause a stroke.
These are referred to as risk factors and can increase a person's chances of having a stroke. Some risk factors are uncontrollable, such as age and family history, but others, such as smoking and high blood pressure, can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication.
The type and severity of the condition determine stroke treatment. Thrombolytic therapy, a clot-busting medication that can help break up the blockage and restore blood flow to the brain, is typically used to treat ischemic strokes.
You can help prevent stroke by making healthy choices and managing existing health conditions. You can find more information here.
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