WHAT IS AN ISCHEMIC STROKE
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF A STROKE BLOCKAGE?
Blockages can be caused by plaque or a blood clot. Plaque may break off from its origin and travel to the neck or brain, where it can become lodged. Blood clots may dissolve before reaching the neck or brain; however, if they do not, they can cause a blockage.
What are the risk factors for ischemic stroke (I.S.)?
Some risk factors for I.S. are unavoidable, but many are linked to poor lifestyle choices, such as hypertension. Risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Atrial fibrillation
- Sickle cell anemia
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
- Congenital heart defects
- Clotting disorders
Research into genetics as a risk factor for I.S. has shown that while genetics can play a role, their impact on overall risk is minimal.
Statistics on Ischemic Strokes
The statistics on ischemic strokes (I.S.) are concerning. These strokes have become a major issue in the United States, largely due to the unhealthy lifestyles many Americans lead. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- 87% of all strokes are ischemic.
- A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States.
- Every four minutes, someone dies from a stroke.
- Nearly 25% of strokes each year occur in people who have previously had a stroke.
- Black individuals are twice as likely to experience their first stroke at a younger age compared to white individuals.
- The mortality rate from strokes is twice as high for Black individuals as it is for white individuals.
- While there are clear racial disparities in stroke incidence and healthcare in the United States, the fact remains that strokes, particularly I.S., are a concern for all, regardless of race.
9 SIGNS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE
Identifying an ischemic stroke can be challenging due to the subtlety of symptoms, which may start days before the stroke, making recognition difficult. Additionally, women may experience different or additional symptoms compared to men.
Given the difficulty in recognizing symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience any of them. If multiple symptoms are present simultaneously, immediate medical evaluation is advised.
1. Numbness in a limb that persists for more than a few minutes.
Numbness in an arm or leg is not unusual and may occur if you've been in an uncomfortable position for a while. However, sudden numbness without a clear cause could indicate a stroke, particularly if it's on one side of your body, especially the left.
2. SUDDEN LOSS OF BALANCE
Experiencing sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or fainting is abnormal and could signal an underlying issue, potentially a stroke.
If you experience this, it's crucial to seek medical attention. Look for additional stroke symptoms, and if present, go to an emergency room immediately.
3. SUDDEN CONFUSION
If you suddenly feel confused or foggy, it's a significant sign that something may be wrong with your brain. While it could be due to extreme fatigue, it's unlikely unless you've been awake for an extended period. A stroke, which involves a blockage of blood to the brain, could cause such cognitive impairment. This type of confusion is an emergency and may suggest an impending stroke.
4. VISION ISSUES
Sudden vision problems, such as double vision or blurriness, can be a symptom of a stroke. These issues can also be indicative of other conditions, so it's essential to consult a doctor immediately if they occur.
5. SEVERE HEADACHE
Experiencing a severe headache, similar to a migraine, may be a sign of a stroke. It's important to seek medical attention if you encounter such a headache.
Headaches are typically common and not indicative of something serious. However, an acute headache that is the most severe you've ever experienced is not normal, particularly if you don't usually suffer from headaches or migraines.
6. SUDDEN INABILITY TO BREATHE.
Though less common, sudden difficulty breathing can be a symptom of a stroke for some individuals. Regardless of whether it's a stroke symptom, difficulty breathing is a critical emergency. It could cause fainting and potential injury. If this occurs, immediately cease all activities and seek medical help.
7. SUDDEN SLURRED SPEECH.
Slurred speech is a well-known indicator of an imminent stroke, caused by a brain blockage. This blockage may impact the area of the brain responsible for speech and psychomotor abilities. If you find yourself suddenly slurring your words, seek assistance immediately. If alone, dial 911.
SIGNS THAT PRIMARILY OCCUR IN WOMEN
These symptoms occur more frequently in women than in men, and the reason for this significant gender disparity remains unclear. It is not widely recognized that such a disparity exists for any symptoms.
However, men should not ignore these signs. While the likelihood of experiencing them may be lower, it is not zero.
8. SUDDEN GENERAL WEAKNESS.
You might struggle to lift your arms and legs, or find it challenging to perform basic tasks. You may drop light objects or be unable to grasp a cup. Sudden weakness could be a precursor to a stroke.
9. CONTINUOUS HICCUPS.
Neurologist Diana Greene-Chandos, MD, Director of Neuroscience Critical Care at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, notes that sudden, intense hiccups appearing unexpectedly can indicate an imminent stroke. The exact cause of these hiccups is not fully understood by the medical community or scientists, but they are common among women who have strokes.
These are not typical hiccups; they are unusually forceful and may cause pain. Such hiccups warrant an immediate evaluation in the emergency room.
The critical aspect to remember about the signs of a stroke is that they typically occur very suddenly, often without any warning. While some symptoms may manifest a few days prior, their onset is usually abrupt. Checking for multiple signs simultaneously can provide better verification.
Recognizing your own symptoms may be challenging, but others may notice that something is amiss. Sharing knowledge with friends and family is crucial so they can recognize the signs and know how to act.
A commonly used acronym to identify a stroke is F.A.S.T., which stands for:
F – Face: Is one side of the face drooping?
A – Arms: Is there difficulty lifting either arm?
S – Speech: Is speech slurred or the person confused?
T – Time: Act immediately without delay.
A stroke is a serious medical emergency. Immediate action is vital if you or someone nearby exhibits any signs. It's always better to err on the side of caution.
Source: powerofpositivity.com
