Recognize stroke symptoms and why you need to act fast

May is Stroke Awareness Month. One in 20 adults dies from stroke, making stroke the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the term doctors use when part of the brain is damaged due to problems with blood flow.

A stroke can occur if:

• When the arteries leading to the brain become clogged or closed, blood cannot flow to parts of the brain for an extended period of time. This accounts for approximately 85% of strokes.
• The artery ruptures and bleeding begins in or around the brain.

The effects of a stroke depend on several factors, including which part of the brain is affected and how quickly the stroke is treated.

For Brian Maples, 40, of Riverton, Utah, last December was just sick.

“I didn’t feel sick or in any pain,” Maples said, explaining that she felt weakness primarily on the left side of her body. He decided to undergo testing at Intermountain Health Riverton Hospital.

“They let me know I had a stroke,” Maples said. “I was lucky enough to get there as quickly as I did, as opposed to people who have all the symptoms and can have long-lasting effects.”

“Prompt treatment during stroke is one of the most important factors in determining a successful outcome,” said Jenelle Newman, NP, advanced practice provider at Intermountain Health Neurology. “If a stroke occurs, there are treatments to prevent long-term brain damage, but they are very time-sensitive.”

Newman says an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke is: Be quick:

• balance: Sudden difficulty with balance or coordination
• eye: Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or painless loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• face: Drooping or numbness on one side of the face
• arm Weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm
• speech: sudden difficulty, slurred speech, or inability to speak
• time: Know the last time you or your loved one had normal symptoms. Please call 911.

The appropriate treatment depends on what type of stroke you have. To solve this, you need to go to the hospital immediately.

People should still call 911 and come to the emergency room for a quick diagnosis. Prompt treatment during stroke is one of the most important factors determining a successful outcome.

Stroke treatment focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain to prevent brain tissue destruction due to lack of blood flow. Treatments include giving a blood clot-dissolving drug called tPA and surgery to remove the blood clot from a large artery in the brain using a catheter. Both treatments can significantly reduce disability, but are very time-consuming.

Many, but not all, strokes are preventable. Taking your medicine exactly as directed can greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.

Medications that are particularly important in preventing stroke include:

• blood pressure medicine
• Drugs called statins that lower cholesterol
• Drugs that prevent blood clots, such as aspirin and blood thinners
• Medications to help keep blood sugar levels as normal as possible (if you have diabetes)

Although stroke risk may be partially genetic (or related to family history), many risk factors can be controlled through awareness and lifestyle changes. The biggest risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. 80% of strokes in America are preventable. It is important that everyone knows their risk factors.

You can also reduce your risk of stroke by changing your lifestyle.

• If you smoke, please stop smoking
• Get regular exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, most days of the week (if your doctor deems it safe).
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, and low in meat, sweets, and refined grains (such as white bread and rice).
• Avoid salt (sodium)
• limit alcohol consumption
• For women, limit it to one drink a day.
• For men, do not drink more than 2 cups a day

It’s important to remain optimistic and realize that your goal is to recover from your stroke. If you think you or a loved one may be having a stroke, call 9-1-1 right away.

Scheduling a routine exam with your primary care provider now can help discuss a plan to minimize potential risks.

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