Stroke

Hearing the word “stroke” probably brings a hundred things to mind, and usually most of them aren’t too pleasant.  That is basically the truth though because generally the outcomes of a stroke are both unpleasant and definitely unwelcomed.  If you or your loved one has experienced a stroke in your lifetime, you probably already understand.  However, for those out there who need a little more insight related to what a stroke actually is…please continue reading.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part, or parts, of your brain is interrupted or drastically reduced.  This reduction of blood flow is noted in the important tissues of the brain, meaning these tissues are deprived of the nutrients they need to function, ultimately resulting in death of brain cells.  Depending on which brain cells die, relies on the severity of the stroke and how your body will be directly affected.  For a more simple view, the trucks in your blood vessels that transport all the adequate nutrients and other supplies either get stuck at a red light for too long or completely break down.  Whatever the culprit, the end result has a good chance of being compromising to the body and to the normal level of functioning the individual once knew.

A stroke is considered a medical emergency.  At the first inclination of not feeling right you should immediately seek medical attention.  Prompt treatment is very crucial when it comes to dealing with the blood flow to such vital organs.  If the problem is caught early, that could mean brain damage could be minimized and other complications would virtually be non-existent.  However, prompt treatment does not always occur in real life situations, so other treatment measures will be implemented depending on the extent of the damage from the stroke.  The good news in all this is that strokes can be treated and prevented even more these days with modern, high-tech medicine.

Following are signs and symptoms that you should be aware of for yourself or your loved one if you think a stroke may be happening.  If possible you should take note when the first signs of a stroke began, because the length of time you have been experiencing them may provide a specific route for your treatment decisions.  These signs and symptoms include:

-  Confusion.  This may be noticed by others and you may find yourself slurring your words, or you may even have difficulty understanding what someone else is saying.

-  Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis may be apparent in your face, arm, or leg.  This will usually be one-sided, or felt more so on one side of the body.  If you think this is happening, raise both arms over your head at the same time and if one arm begins to fall without your control, you may be having a stroke.  Also, you may notice that if you smile one side of your mouth may droop instead.

-  Sudden blurred or black-out vision may occur in one or both eyes.  Or, you may find yourself seeing double.

 -  Individuals may say, “I am having the worst headache of my life.”  Generally with a stroke, a sudden and severe headache will accompany it.  This headache may also bring about vomiting, dizziness, or changes in your level of consciousness.

-  You may stumble, experience dizziness with a sudden onset, have a loss of balance, or have a loss of coordination.

Signs and symptoms of a stroke will be unique depending upon the individual involved.  It seems as if we all would rather wait sometimes to see if our symptoms will go away just to avoid visiting the doctor’s office.  However, it is a good point to become familiar with the major signs as listed above because the quicker you get help, the lesser the damage to your body.  The signs and symptoms of a stroke should be taken very seriously.  Head to the emergency room and do not delay if you feel you or your loved one is having a stroke, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Some risk factors for a stroke can be modified by you, and some cannot.  Risk factors for a stroke include: being overweight, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol use, use of illegal substances, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, family history of strokes, being over age 55, African-american race, and males are at a greater risk than females.  Complications that arise from having a stroke depend upon what type of stroke is experienced, its severity, and the health condition of the individual that was involved.  These may include: paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty swallowing or talking, memory loss, difficulty thinking, emotional problems, pain, sensitivity to temperature changes and various changes in self-care abilities. 

If you ever suspect any signs and symptoms of a stroke at all, you should immediately seek emergency care.  Timing plays a huge role in the treatment choices that are made if a stroke has occurred.  The treatment option with the best chance of reversing stroke symptoms and definitely putting a stop to any further damage should take place within 3 hours of the onset of your symptoms.  Total Home Health has a program that is right for you or your loved one who has been affected by a stroke.  We understand the severity and how this can affect your life and the lives of those around you.  Our staff will provide you with the best care possible in order to allow you to function at your highest abilities and feel good while doing it.  Our empathetic and highly skilled professionals will be alert to your way of life and will intervene if even the slightest change occurs so that you get all the prompt treatment you deserve.  Never hesitate to approach us at Total Home Health with any questions or concerns, your optimal health is our passion and we’ll make sure you know it!