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By Louis Neipris, M.D., Staff Writer
Life-saving drugs are available to treat stroke. Yet many people don't get to the emergency room in time to benefit. The problem: stroke victims don't recognize the sometimes subtle symptoms of stroke.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when brain cells are damaged due to an interruption of blood flow from a blocked artery (ischemic stroke), or from a ruptured blood vessel that causes serious bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). In a hemorrhagic stroke, the bleeding itself or pressure from the blood trapped within the skull causes brain cells to die.
Most strokes are due to blocked blood flow from a clot. Without blood, brain cells don't get oxygen and needed nutrients. They become damaged or die. This can result in paralysis, speech problems, vision loss or other disabilities.
Why is time critical?
Time equals brain cells. Some or all brain cells can be saved if the stroke victim gets treatment within 3 to 4 hours of the start of symptoms. The longer one waits to seek treatment, the more brain cells die and the less the chance for full recovery.
Within this time period, ischemic strokes can be treated with medication to dissolve the clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain. One such medication is called "tPA." But tPA must be started within 3 to 4 hours of the first stroke symptoms. That means the person has to arrive at the emergency room in enough time for testing and evaluation that must be done before treatment can be started.
Getting to the hospital quickly is also critical for hemorrhagic stroke. Bleeding and swelling in the brain must be stopped quickly to avoid permanent damage.
What are symptoms of stroke?
Stroke symptoms are unique and happen SUDDENLY. They are:
- Paralysis or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking, trouble understanding speech
- Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, maintaining balance, loss of coordination, dizziness
- Severe headache without explanation
Why are stroke symptoms hard to recognize?
Stroke symptoms can be subtle and painless. People too often wait to see if symptoms go away on their own before seeking help.
Think "F-A-S-T" to catch symptoms
The National Stroke Association devised this symptom assessment test called F.A.S.T. If you think someone is having a stroke:
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F
ACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
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A
RMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
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S
PEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
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T
IME: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 9-1-1 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.
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