Every year, more than 795,000 people in the US suffer from a stroke, making it the fifth-leading cause of death in the US. Those who successfully survive their stroke will often have a long rehabilitative road to recovery, with only 10% of survivors making a complete recovery. The chances of one's recovery greatly depend on how quickly the symptoms of a stroke were recognized. That quick recognition can make a monumental difference in the effectiveness of a stroke treatment. McWhorter CNR is here to support your stroke recovery process and make it a little easier for you to get your life back on track.
What Is A Stroke?
A stroke is essentially an attack on the brain. It occurs when blood flow to the brain stops due to a ruptured blood vessel in the brain or a blockage that prevents adequate blood supply to the brain. As less blood and oxygen reach the brain’s tissues, the brain cells of the affected area slowly become damaged and start to die. It's a race against the clock and the best stroke treatment is essentially immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of Stroke
Strokes are emergency situations that can happen suddenly and without warning. It’s important to respond as quickly as possible to a stroke and seek professional medical attention immediately. Because there can be a wide variety of symptoms of stroke, the National Stroke Association developed the acronym “FAST” to help people recognize the key symptoms of stroke quickly so that medical attention can be summoned even faster. In the case of a stroke, just think FAST:
- F is for Face - A droop or uneven smile on a person’s face is a distinct warning sign of stroke. To check, ask the person to smile.
- A is for Arms - Numbness or weakness in an arm is another warning sign. Strokes usually affect one side of the body, so ask the person to raise both their arms if you’re unsure.
- S is for Speech - Slurred speech could be an indicator of a stroke. Ask the person to repeat a common phrase.
- T is for Time - If these symptoms are present, it’s time to call 9-1-1. Remember to write down the exact time that these warning signs started to show. When medical technicians know a rough time frame of when the stroke began, it makes their jobs much easier and it creates a better chance at a more successful stroke recovery.
Knowing this acronym can make all the difference in this kind of emergency situation. Without prompt and effective treatment, a stroke can result in irreversible brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. In addition to the FAST acronym, there are a number of other symptoms of stroke that you can identify easily. These could include:
- Vision problems
- Trouble walking
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Severe and sudden headaches without an apparent cause
- Numbness/weakness in the arm, face, and leg on one side of the body
Different Genders May Have Different Symptoms of Stroke
While many of the symptoms of stroke can be present in both men and women, it’s worth noting that strokes can affect both genders differently. Women have a higher lifetime risk of having a stroke than men and women are far more likely to die from a stroke than men. Some symptoms of stroke may occur more frequently in one gender over the other. Women suffering from a stroke could experience some of the following symptoms:
- Fainting or losing consciousness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sudden behavioral changes (increased agitation)
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Men, on the other hand, more commonly display the symptoms of stroke outlined in the FAST acronym. Regardless of the signs, it’s important to seek medical attention quickly to minimize the impact of the stroke and ensure a stronger stroke recovery.
The Types of Strokes
Strokes are traumatic life events, but thanks to advances in the scientific community, we now understand strokes better than ever before. We’ve learned that there are basically three main categories of strokes:
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Ischemic Stroke
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
A transient ischemic attack, also called a ministroke, is usually the result of a temporary blood clot. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to the symptoms of stroke discussed above, only they are usually temporary and disappear within hours. This ministroke is a warning sign of an impending stroke that will be more severe. This consequential stroke will most likely occur within the next year. It's important to seek medical attention even when it's just a ministroke.
In an ischemic stroke, the arteries that bring blood to the brain narrow or become clogged. Blood clots are usually the culprit behind these strokes. Unlike a TIA, the blood clot that causes this stroke won’t go away without treatment. Roughly 87% of all strokes are ischemic.
Hemorrhagic strokes occur when an artery in the brain bursts or leaks blood. The build-up of blood creates excessive pressure in the skull and forces the brain to swell up, which damages your brain cells. These strokes can be especially fatal, which means immediate emergency care is all the more crucial for a successful stroke recovery.
Stroke Treatment Options
There is no better stroke treatment option than immediate medical intervention. Medical professionals will use a variety of treatment techniques to improve ones stroke recovery. These may vary depending on the severity and the type of the stroke.
Anticoagulants and clot-breaking drugs may be used almost immediately as the first line of defense against stroke damage. Other medications can also reduce the neurological impacts of strokes. Surgical procedures are often used to mitigate those damages as well and promote a successful recovery from a stroke. Following the operation, the victim may have a very long road to recovery.
Stroke Recovery With McWhorter CNR
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability in the US. Those disabilities can be minimized by seeking medical attention quickly following the stroke. Even still, many stroke survivors have a plethora of challenges to overcome in order to achieve a complete or partial recovery. There are a number of ways that McWhorter CNR can support your stroke recovery process.
We offer a number of innovative and cutting-edge methodologies and treatment options to support your stroke recovery. Our Balance Concepts treatment is a form of effective physical therapy designed to help you regain your balance control. We also offer Cognitive Exercise Therapy, which helps you re-engage your damaged brain cells and regain your former patterns of thinking and behavior. Through Sensory Integration, our clinicians help you improve your sensory skills that have been dulled from the stroke and help you readjust to a lack of sensation.
At McWhorter CNR, we are personally invested in your health and wellness. We’ll develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is individualized to your needs and will ultimately improve your stroke recovery.
Contact McWhorter CNR today and learn more about our innovative stroke treatment options to benefit your stroke recovery process.