In case of stroke, be FAST

DR ERIC J. ULLOA

HEALTH WATCH

Many people from smokers to those with untreated hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol are at risk of a stroke. Strokes can be treated but speed in getting treatment is essential. There is an acronym called FAST that everyone should be aware of. It can save lives or help avoid severe damage.

I will explain FAST later in the article, but first let’s look at what a stroke is.

A stroke is caused by reduction or disruption of the blood flow to the brain. The brain receives about 25 percent of the body oxygen supply, but cannot store it. The brain cells require a constant oxygen supply to stay healthy and function properly. The blood supply to the brain is provided by two main arterial systems: the carotid arteries that come up through either side of the front of the neck, and the basilar artery, formed at the base of the skull by the two vertebral arteries, that run up along the spine, join and come up through the rear of the neck.

A stroke can be of two types:

Ischemic , caused by a blockage of an artery

Hemorrhagic , caused by a tear in the wall of the artery, that produces bleeding into the brain.

Ischemic strokes are by far the most common, causing about 80 percent of the cases. They are caused by blood clots that can be of three types: Thrombotic, Embolic or Lacunar.

- Thrombotic strokes are large artery strokes, and account for about 60 percent of all strokes. The thrombus or clot forms as a result of the atherosclerosis process, and is more common in patients with not controlled hypertension, diabetes, with high cholesterol or is a smoker.

Embolic strokes are caused by blood clots that dislodge from their original site, traveling through the blood vessels finally wedging in another artery. They account for about 25 percent of all strokes.

Atrial fibrillation , that is an abnormal quivering of the upper chambers of the heart can cause blood clots in these chambers, that break and travel as emboli to the brain. Also a patient with abnormal or artificial heart valves can cause emboli that can lead to a stroke.

Lacunar infarcts are a series of tiny, ischemic strokes that cause clumsiness, weaknesses and emotional variability. They can present also as Silent strokes, which are detected in 10-30 percent of elderly patients who receive an imagen test (CAT scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for other causes. Transient Ischemic Attacks, are mini-ischemic strokes caused usually by tiny emboli that lodge into an artery of the brain. They break quickly and dissolve, but cause mental or physical symptoms that clear in less than an hour. They must be treated the same as a stroke, and the person who has it usually has a 40 percent risk of a subsequent stroke in the next 5 years.

Hemorrhagic strokes occur -in the brain or parenchyma, (Cerebral Hemorrhage). They account for about 10 percent of all strokes, and are usually secondary to non-controlled HYPERTENSION that affects an artery wall already damaged by atherosclerosis.

- accounts for about 5 percent of all strokes. The most common cause is the rupture of an aneurysm or weakening in the blood vessel wall.

Arteriovenous malformation, (AVM) is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins that can cause also an hemorrhagic stroke.

The American Stroke Association lists the following five warning signs of Strokes. People should call immediate emergency assistance if they present any of these symptoms:

-Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

-Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

-Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

-Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

-Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

An easy way to remember the signs of Stroke and what to do, is by the acronym “ FAST ” If you think that someone is having a Stroke, the National Stroke Association’s FAST test advises:

-(F)ACE. Ask the person to smile. Check to see if one side of the face droops.

-(A)RMS. Ask the person to raise both arms. See if one arm drifts downward.

-(S)PEECH. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Check to see if words are slurred and if the sentence is repeated correctly.

-(T)IME. If a person shows any of these symptoms, time is essential. It is important to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1.

Remember, Brain is time, it is important to get the person to the emergency room immediately, to determine if the stroke is due to a blood clot or bleeding so appropriate treatment can be started within 3 hours of when the symptoms started.

Publicidad