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Too many people write it off as a brief dizzy spell. But it could have been a mini-stroke, an early warning sign you are at risk for a paralyzing full-blown stroke, the third leading cause of death in North America. The latest statistics are frightening. Every 53 seconds, someone in the United States falls victim.
Mini-strokes stem from the same things that cause severe strokes -- a hardening of the arteries near or in the brain or clots that break loose and lodge in the brain. The most common indication is weakness or numbness on one side of the body. The reason most people ignore these warning signs is because they usually feel fine afterwards.
With stroke afflicting more than 600,000 Americans each year, there is no wonder why the medical community is accelerating the educational arm of its awareness campaign.
A mini-stroke could come in the form of a severe headache, temporary visual loss, mental confusion or a sudden lack of coordination, like dropping a cup of coffee. Any one of these symptoms is reason enough to go to the emergency room rather than to the bedroom for a rest, neurologists warn.
Most in danger have already celebrated their sixtieth birthday, have previously had a stroke, suffer from high blood pressure, are diabetic, smoke, or do not exercise on a regular basis. Latest figures show that women account for more than 60% of all stroke deaths.
There are new surgical and medical procedures aimed at preventing stroke in high-risk individuals. Typically, blood thinners are prescribed in addition to a change in diet and bad habits. Blood pressure control and heart medications have also been successful.
In addition, doctors are now able to open the artery without making any incisions in the skull. A tiny catheter is inserted easily into an artery of the patient’s leg and snaked up until it reaches the brain’s blood vessels. A tiny balloon is then inflated that permanently holds open the artery.
A quick diagnosis in the emergency room can make a significant difference. The American Stroke Association will help you locate the best medical facility in your area for stroke diagnosis and care. Make sure the hospital offers a clot-dissolving drug called tissue-type Plasminogen Activator, or tPA. It must be administered within three hours of the first symptom. Be sure to let the attending physician know if you have high blood pressure or are taking a blood thinner.
By far, prevention is the best cure. If you experience suddenly a severe headache, numbness or tingling in the face, or in one of your arms or legs, dial 911. Even if you experience unexpected blurred vision, or an inability to speak or understand speech, dial 911. Watchful waiting will only make it more difficult to receive treatment designed to prevent permanent brain damage. Even if your symptoms are diagnosed as being something else that is non-threatening, at least you will be able to go back home and enjoy a peace of mind.
For more information on how to prevent a stroke, call the American Stroke Association at 1-800-4-STROKE. Or visit its website at www.strokeassociation@heart.org.
Stroke research pioneer Dr. Gregory Albers has published a number of excellent journals detailing the most in-depth and up-to-date preventative measures to combat stroke.
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