All About Stroke
The Medical Emergency That Doesn’t Discriminate
By Mary Orr
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When that happens, part of the brain is deprived of the blood and oxygen it needs, causing brain cells to die.
“Affecting people of all ages, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. And while you cannot predict if you will suffer a stroke, there are things you can do to increase your odds of preventing one.”
Affecting people of all ages, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. And while you cannot predict if you will suffer a stroke, there are things you can do to increase your odds of preventing one, such as maintaining a healthy weight; eating fresh, unprocessed food; committing to a regular exercise schedule; limiting your intake of alcohol; and stopping smoking. And if you’re on medication, it’s vital to take it as prescribed.
If you do suffer a stroke, every minute counts. In fact, brain cells begin to die after a few minutes without oxygen. That’s why it is so important to recognize the first signs of a stroke and act quickly. The acronym BE FAST provides a helpful reminder:
B: balance issues
E: eye changes
F: facial drooping
A: arm weakness
S: speech difficulty
T: time to call 911
If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, quick action in calling for an ambulance is essential. EMS crews pre-notify hospitals while en route with stroke patient information and arrival time. This allows for necessary teams to prepare to receive the patient, provide the quickest evaluation, and administer eligible acute treatments in the emergency department. In the event of a stroke, time is of the essence in determining the patient’s most effective course of treatment.
For more information on Stroke and Neurology services at Trinity Health Of New England, visit trinityhealthofne.org/stroke. n
Mary Orr is Communications and Media specialist for Trinity Health Of New England.
