Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Spring 2018

A STROKE HAPPENS when oxygen-rich blood can’t reach the brain and brain cells start to die. This is most often caused by a clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain (an ischemic stroke). A less common cause is a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain (a hemorrhagic stroke). “All strokes are medical emergencies that need immediate treatment,” says Sharman Sanders, MD, neurologist with RMC Neurology. Call 911 at the first sign of stroke. If you get to the hospital quickly, a clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) may help. TPA should be given within 4½ hours of a stroke’s onset. Warning signs include: ●   ● Weakness or numbness in your face, arm or leg— especially on one side ●   ● Trouble talking or understanding what others are saying ●   ● Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes ●   ● Loss of coordination or balance ●   ● Severe headache for no known reason ●   ● Confusion Regional Medical Center 4 STROKE: A BRAIN ATTACK is American Think F.A.S.T. Time is brain Quick treatment is essential to reduce the risk of serious complications, disability and death from stroke. It helps to think F.A.S.T. : F: Face drooping. Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile—is the smile uneven? May WHAT’S EVEN BETTER THAN STOPPING A STROKE? Preventing a stroke There are a few ways you can help yourself prevent a stroke. You’ll be glad you did! 1. Keep blood pressure and cholesterol at optimal levels. 2. If you have diabetes or heart disease, work with your doctor to get the condition under control. 3. Maintain a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet and get regular exercise. A stroke is a medical emergency. Often, emergency treatment can be started in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Always call 911 right away STROKE MONTH STROKE