Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA’S) more commonly known as stroke, remains a major health concern around the world. Within the United States, approximately 800,000 individuals are diagnosed and treated for stroke annually. It is the 4th leading cause of death behind cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart attack), cancer, and accident-related trauma. When symptoms arise, it must be considered a “medical emergency” and one that requires acute medical attention. The acronym (FAST) is associated with stroke:
· FACE, does the face droop to one side?
· ARMS, does an individual have motor weakness in one arm as opposed to the other?
· SPEECH, does the individual present with slurred or difficulty repeating words?
· TIME, this is of the essence, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention immediately if you notice these symptoms!
As noted above, typical symptoms associated with stroke include, but are not limited to numbness, weakness, or paralysis, generally involving one side of the body including the face, arm, or leg, speech difficulty (e.g., slurred speech, inability to repeat words or phrases), imbalance or poor coordination during walking, or severe headache.
Two primary causes of stroke are the result of a blocked or clogged artery in the brain (ischemic stroke) for leaking/perforation of a blood vessel in the brain (e.g., hemorrhagic stroke). The latter may also be due to a rupture of an irregular or thin-walled group of blood vessels known as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). A transient ischemic attack (TIA) may manifest with symptoms associated with stroke but only occur briefly and rarely resulting in any type of permanent brain damage. However, TIA’s are clearly a precursor for a future stroke.
While emergency medical treatment, medications, and rehabilitation often reduces the risk for permanent and disabling symptoms, the “best medicine” is undoubtedly prevention. While you cannot change a person’s age, race or ethnicity, sex, or genetic predisposition, there are many ways to prevent or reduce the risk of stroke, as noted below:
· Monitor or control blood pressure; high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke
· Lower cholesterol levels; having a balanced diet, exercises, using prescribed medication
· Control blood sugar levels; diabetes is a contributing factor to stroke
· Limit alcohol intake; excessive heavy or binge drinking raises an individual’s blood pressure
· Stop smoking or vaping; these activities increase the risk for stroke
· Never use illegal drugs; only used prescribed medication
· Watch your weight; be aware of your weight and body mass index (BMI) as obesity increases the risk of stroke
· Participate in a regular exercise program; this should include both cardio and weight lifting training
· Maintain a healthy diet; this should include eating fruits and vegetables and limiting the intake of sugar, salt, and unhealth fats
· Comply with prescribed medications; this will help in the management of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
· Stress management; there is a positive correlation between any stroke and high levels of anxiety and life-stressors
In summary, common strategies for stroke prevention are best identified and implemented through the recommendations of your primary care physician and other appropriate medical specialists. More importantly, you as the patient, must comply with the aforementioned strategies for stroke prevention and treatment recommendations.
For additional information regarding stroke treatment or prevention, please contact our office at 732-988-3441.
Michael J. Raymond, Ph.D., ABN, FACPN
Board Certified Neuropsychologist #232
Licensed Psychologist #35S100252900