1. Brain Attack, aka Stroke
A brain attack is a stroke, an interrupted blood flow to the brain. A stroke occurs when clots block the arteries or vessels or there is a hemorrhage. When a clot blocks the passage of blood, the term is an ischemic stroke, which accounts for 80 percent of the strokes that occur. The ischemic stroke occurs most in the early morning or at night due to the lowered blood pressure. A burst vessel or artery is a hemorrhagic stroke. Both require immediate treatment to avoid further damage.
2. Time Equals Lost Brain Tissue
Speed is of the utmost importance when a stroke occurs. Activase (alteplase), a drug that breaks the clot in an ischemic stroke, is not effective if you take it more than 3 hours after the onset of the stroke. Brain cells die rapidly, and every second wasted makes the difference between a full, partial or no recovery from a brain attack.
3. Remember F.A.S.T
The acronym FAST outlines not just the rapidity of seeking help but the process to recognize a stroke. "F" stands for face. If the face of the suspected victim droops on one side, it is a sign that they experienced a stroke. "A" means the arms won't move or they drag. "S" stands for the patient's speech pattern. If the pattern is slurred or excessively slow, this is a good indicator that a stroke occurred. "T" means time. It is critical to get emergency treatment.
4. The Effects of a Brain Attack
The effects and severity vary from patient to patient. The location of the clot or bleed makes a difference in the area of the brain damage. Severe bleeds create multiple areas of damage and handicap. If the attack was ischemic and medication administered immediately the amount of damage is reduced or minimal. Over 90 percent of stroke victims have at least minor impairments. Forty percent of stroke victims have moderate to severe impairment and need to have some assistance in their living arrangements. Of the 25 percent remaining, 10 percent go to a nursing facility and 15 percent face death soon after the stroke.
5. Protect Yourself From a Stroke
Many factors that cause a stroke are within your control. High blood pressure is one cause of strokes. Get your blood pressure tested regularly. If it is high, then medicate, exercise and diet according to the doctor's advice. Diabetes bears the same advice as blood pressure. Smoking is not necessary for a healthy lifestyle and is a contributing factor to a stroke. High cholesterol levels are also factors that contribute. Heart disease goes hand in hand with brain attacks. See your doctor on a regular basis, follow a good diet, exercise and eliminate cigarettes for protection from a stroke.
