When seconds count...what you should know about strokes
On average, a stroke takes the life of a loved one every three
minutes, with seniors most vulnerable. The average age for a
stroke is about 72 and many things that cause a stroke come with
aging, such as hypertension or years of diabetes or smoking.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States
and the most common cause of adult disability. What many people
don't realize is that a stroke is a medical emergency and must
be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack. High-risk
individuals--seniors, obese, hypertensive, or previous stroke
victims--should be acutely aware of the warning signs: sudden
numbness, confusion, vision problems, dizziness and severe
headache.
A brain starving for oxygen
Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation.
During a stroke, brain tissue is literally starving for oxygen,
so every minute counts. Stroke response teams must act swiftly
to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, as well as attend to
any breathing or other complications. Although there are ways to
prevent stroke, there is no known treatment for stroke once it
has caused permanent brain injury. All the more reason for swift
action at the earliest onset of symptoms.
Lab tests and CT scans guide treatment options
Once a patient is stabilized, a stroke recovery team goes to
work. Comprised of specialists from a wide rage of disciplines,
they unite their talents and expertise to diagnose the injury
and determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Lab
tests and state-of-the-art imaging technology--like CT
scanners--can help pinpoint the location, type, nature and
extent of brain damage.
"Clot-busting" drugs and minimally invasive techniques
Based on their diagnosis, medical specialists may recommend
neurointerventional treatments. These minimally invasive
techniques use microcatheters to deliver clot-dissolving drugs,
perform clot removal and administer other treatment to the tiny
damaged vessels of the brain. A variety of other drugs are also
being investigated for their potential to reverse damage to
brain tissue caused by stroke, thus giving stroke victims
greater chances for a faster and more complete recovery. The new
techniques allow patients to leave the hospital sooner, recover
faster and have a better chance of survival.
Rehabilitation is critical to recovery
After treatment, an acute rehabilitation unit may start a stroke
patient on a managed plan of rehabilitation. Prompt
rehabilitation is critical because patients with the highest
risk for stroke are those who have already suffered one. Early
rehabilitation also improves the chances of recovery. Stroke
rehab options may include home therapy, adult day services, home
outpatient therapy, and long-term care and therapy at a skilled
nursing facility.