During a stroke, every second counts. That’s why quick access to leading-edge stroke care can be a lifesaver. St Elizabeth Stroke Services is here for your diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation every step of the way.
Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms
If you or a loved one are experiencing the sudden onset of any of the following symptoms, you know firsthand that it can be a harrowing experience. According to the CDC, almost 800,000 Americans have a stroke every year – and every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke in the United States. Stroke is also the primary cause of long-term disability, especially in patients ages 65 and older.
While these statistics can seem grim, there is a silver lining: quick access to stroke-centered medical care can be the difference between life and death – or long-term disability.
“During a stroke, quick action is important as treatments for a stroke are time-dependent,” says Dr. John Webb. “The quicker stroke treatment is given, the chances of preserving brain tissue increases and the chance of disability lessens.”
Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can help you take action. Stroke signs and symptoms can include:
· Bad headache.
· Confusion.
· Loss of balance.
· Numbness.
· Suddenly uncoordinated.
· Vision changes.
If you or a loved one are experiences the sudden onset of any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get help quickly. Use the BE FAST acronym to assess the situation:
· Balance: sudden difficulty with balance.
· Eyes: blurry vision, sudden loss of sight.
· Face: one side of the face droops when smiling.
· Arms: weak or numb arm.
· Speech: slurred speech or difficult to understand.
· Time: time to call 911
The St. Elizabeth Stroke Centers work collaboratively with the University of Cincinnati Stroke Team to immediately assess patients for signs and symptoms of an acute stroke. The team quickly determines whether a stroke is caused by ischemia (not enough blood flow to the brain) or due to bleeding.
“If patients are eligible, they can receive IV tPA or “clot-busting” medicine to help reduce the impact of a stroke,” says Dr. Webb. “The team can also determine whether or not an intervention can be used to remove clots in large blood vessels in the brain.”
Stroke Risk Factors
Is it possible to prevent a stroke? Not exactly – but you can significantly lower your risk factors of having a stroke.
You can modify and control risk factors through diet, exercise, or medication. These include:
· Being overweight.
· Diabetes.
· Excessive alcohol use.
· Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).
· Hypertension (high blood pressure).
· Sedentary lifestyle.
· Tobacco use/smoking.
If you’re interested in lowering your stroke risk factors, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Together you can create a plan to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Comprehensive Stroke Care, Close to Home
St. Elizabeth Edgewood has attained advanced certification by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association as a Comprehensive Cardiac Center, placing us in an elite group of hospitals that have met high standards to fully address the needs of patients with complex cardiac conditions.
Learn about St. Elizabeth Healthcare stroke services and remember – if you or a loved one is experiencing stroke symptoms, BE FAST and call 911 for immediate assistance.
