When someone suffered a
stroke 20 years ago, little could be done except to wait.
Rehabilitation and recovery could begin once the damage was done.
Today, that has changed. Early treatment can prevent disability and
death, but fast action is needed. The longer the delay between a
stroke and treatment, the more damage a stroke can do. The American
Stroke Association says it well: Time Lost is Brain Lost!
A stroke (brain attack)
damages the brain just as a heart attack damages the heart. Both
require emergency medical treatment. Call 9-1-1 or your emergency
medical service immediately if you or some-one you're with
experiences any of these symptoms:
o
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg,
especially on one side of the body
o
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
o
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
o
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or
coordination
o
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Sudden is the Key
The key word here is
sudden. Most of us have occasional changes in vision,
headaches, numbness and even weakness. So how do you know if these
relatively common symptoms are signs of a medical emergency? If the
symptoms come on suddenly and for no apparent reason--take action!
Even experiencing only one symptom for a short period of time can be
a sign of stroke or a TIA.
A previous stroke or TIA
places you at greater risk of suffering another stroke. TIAs
(transient ischemic attacks) are sometimes called mini-strokes or
warning strokes. TIA symptoms will usually last for only several
minutes but can last for up to 24 hours. Many TIAs go undiagnosed.
Talk with your health care
provider even if you have had only one stroke warning sign that did
not last a long time. Your health care provider may be able to help
you prevent a major stroke and make recommendations specific to your
situation.
