If You Recognize the Signs of a Stroke, Act FAST
Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. They are unexpected and can have devastating repercussions, which is why it’s important to identify the signs of a stroke in yourself and others and know what to do when they occur.
What is a Stroke?
There are two primary types of strokes. Most strokes are ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that prevents oxygenated blood from getting to your brain. Though not as common, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding in the brain.
Who is at Risk for a Stroke?
Unfortunately, a stroke can happen to anyone at any time in life. As a person ages, he has a higher risk of a stroke, but strokes do happen in adolescents and young adults. Those who have previously had a stroke are also at a higher risk for having a subsequent one.
“A few risk factors increase your chances of having a stroke,” says Mary Jarschke, a Registered Nurse and the Stroke Program Coordinator at Oroville Hospital. “These include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive drinking, and not exercising.”
Act FAST at the First Sign of a Stroke
“To help people recognize the most common signs of a stroke, experts have come up with the acronym FAST,” explains Jarschke. “F stands for facial droop, A is for arm drift, S is for speech problems, and T is to remind us that if all symptoms are present, it’s Time to call 911.”
Though a droop on one side of the face and the inability to hold up one arm are common signs of a stroke, a few other less common symptoms may present. These include the sudden onset of confusion, a loss of balance, or vision problems. These symptoms typically signify a hemorrhagic stroke. The individual may also experience the sudden onset of a very bad headache, nausea, or vomiting.
“Generally speaking, if you recognize the sudden onset of a neurological event, it's a good idea to get it checked out,” states Jarschke.
The Importance of Calling 911
If a stroke is suspected, it’s vital to call 911 as soon as possible. Depending on the type of stroke and how quickly emergency medical services (EMS) are able to assess the patient, he may be able to receive TPA, a clot-busting drug that can reverse the effects of the stroke. However, the drug is incredibly time-sensitive.
“Though it may be tempting to wait for symptoms to subside or skip the ambulance and have a family member drive the patient in, EMS is best equipped to assess the patient so they can medication him immediately,” states Jarschke. “Every minute treatment is delayed, experts estimate the patient loses almost 1.9 million neurons.”
Determining Patient Eligibility for TPA
If a patient arrives at the ER and is in stable condition, he will head straight for a CT scan to make sure the stroke isn’t hemorrhagic. If the test comes back clear, TPA, the clot-busting drug is administered. TPA has been used to treat strokes for over 20 years and is most effective when administered within three hours of the stroke.
“Oroville is a rural hospital, but we have access to expert neurological support through telemedicine,” notes Jarschke. “Our stroke team in the emergency room works with our remote expert neurological team to determine if is the patient is eligible for TPA.”
Stroke Treatment & Recovery
Regardless of whether or not the patient received TPA, rehabilitation starts immediately as it becomes more successful the sooner it commences. Once the patient leaves the hospital, he likely needs to continue rehabilitation in the following months.
“The ideal scenario, of course, is to prevent the likelihood of a stroke by exercising and choosing a healthy lifestyle,” says Jarschke. “But, if you or a loved one experiences the FAST symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately to improve your chances of recovery.”
For more information or to learn about Oroville Hospital’s stroke program, call (530) 538-3070 or visit OrovilleHospital.com.