When seconds count…what you should know about strokes

On average, a stroke takes the life of a loved one every three minutes, with seniors most vulnerable. The average age for a stroke is about 72 and many things that cause a stroke come with aging, such as hypertension or years of diabetes or smoking. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the most common cause of adult disability. What many people don’t realize is that a stroke is a medical emergency and must be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack. High-risk individuals—seniors, obese, hypertensive, or previous stroke victims—should be acutely aware of the warning signs: sudden numbness, confusion, vision problems, dizziness and severe headache.

A brain starving for oxygen

Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation. During a stroke, brain tissue is literally starving for oxygen, so every minute counts. Stroke response teams must act swiftly to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, as well as attend to any breathing or other complications. Although there are ways to prevent stroke, there is no known treatment for stroke once it has caused permanent brain injury. All the more reason for swift action at the earliest onset of symptoms.

Lab tests and CT scans guide treatment options

Once a patient is stabilized, a stroke recovery team goes to work. Comprised of specialists from a wide rage of disciplines, they unite their talents and expertise to diagnose the injury and determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Lab tests and state-of-the-art imaging technology—like CT scanners—can help pinpoint the location, type, nature and extent of brain damage.

“Clot-busting” drugs and minimally invasive techniques

Based on their diagnosis, medical specialists may recommend neurointerventional treatments. These minimally invasive techniques use microcatheters to deliver clot-dissolving drugs, perform clot removal and administer other treatment to the tiny damaged vessels of the brain. A variety of other drugs are also being investigated for their potential to reverse damage to brain tissue caused by stroke, thus giving stroke victims greater chances for a faster and more complete recovery. The new techniques allow patients to leave the hospital sooner, recover faster and have a better chance of survival.

Rehabilitation is critical to recovery

After treatment, an acute rehabilitation unit may start a stroke patient on a managed plan of rehabilitation. Prompt rehabilitation is critical because patients with the highest risk for stroke are those who have already suffered one. Early rehabilitation also improves the chances of recovery. Stroke rehab options may include home therapy, adult day services, home outpatient therapy, and long-term care and therapy at a skilled nursing facility.