A stroke is a deadly condition that can strike anyone of any age at any time, but has disproportionately affected the African-American community, particularly men. Every year, 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. And, every year, 130,000 die from stroke. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to recognize the signs of a stroke, and what to do if they or a loved one has a stroke.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. IU Health Neuroscience Center neurologist Dr. Jason Mackey addresses some of the most popular questions and misconceptions about strokes.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is basically a “brain attack” in which a disturbance or disease of a blood vessel cuts off important blood flow to the brain. Stroke is also one of the leading causes of disability and death in the U.S.
What is a TIA?
TIA stands for “transient ischemic attack.” A TIA occurs when there is a temporary blockage of a blood vessel in the brain that causes stroke symptoms. TIA is also a strong risk factor for a future stroke.
What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke or TIA that people need to look out for?
Common symptoms for stroke include the sudden onset of numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Other signs may include a sudden onset of confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, trouble seeing, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or a severe headache with no known cause.
What are the most common risk factors for strokes?
Risk factors for stroke include things we can change and things we can’t. Things we can’t change include age, race/ethnicity, family history of stroke, and a previous TIA or stroke. There are several risk factors for stroke that can be treated, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. The more risk factors you have, the higher your chance of having a stroke.
What can you do to lower your chances of having a stroke?
One of the most important things you can do to prevent stroke is to control your blood pressure. You can also lower your risk by not smoking or quitting smoking; eating a balanced diet; maintaining a healthy weight or reaching a healthy weight; exercising frequently; and regularly taking your prescribed medications.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about strokes?
The “wait and see” approach that so many people take when it comes to a possible stroke is a mistake. If you are worried that you or someone you care about is having a stroke, the most important thing you can do is call 911 immediately. Stroke is a treatable condition, but time is crucial.
What special stroke treatments are offered at IU Health?
IU Health Methodist Hospital is home to Indiana’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center. This means individuals are getting the very best treatments for stroke from physicians with special expertise. IU Health Methodist Hospital stands apart from many other hospitals in that we have gone through a rigorous accreditation process with The Joint Commission. We have skilled teams, including physicians who are able to place catheters into the blocked brain blood vessels to give clot-busting medication and doctors who use special, minimally invasive mechanical devices to remove blood clots. These treatments are best provided by physicians and hospitals with expertise in caring for people with strokes.
For more information about stroke and other disorders of the brain and nervous system, visit Iuhealth.org/neuroscience-center, click on the “Specialties” tab, and scroll down to “Stroke.”
Act quickly: If you think someone is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. to recognize it.
Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are his or her words slurred?
Time – If the person has any of these symptoms, call 911 and get medical attention immediately.
