Learn About the Signs, Symptoms and Prevention of Stroke

May is American Stroke Awareness Month 

During the month of May, Independence Health System encourages everyone to learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke, the risk factors for developing a stroke, and preventative measures to decrease the risk of stroke. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability. 

What is a stroke?  

A stroke occurs when the brain does not receive the essential oxygen and nutrients needed to function.  This is caused by a blockage in one of the arteries that provide blood flow to and within the brain. The most common types of blockages are blood clots and ruptures. As a result, part of the brain tissue and its surrounding cells die, sometimes resulting in long-term disability or death in the most severe cases. The two most common types of strokes are ischemic and hemorrhagic.  

• An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or blockage develops in a blood vessel caused by atherosclerosis, otherwise known as plaque in the walls of the arteries. Some blood clots remain stationary (thrombosis), blocking the flow of oxygen and nutrients, while others break loose (embolism) and travel to other parts of the body. Ischemic strokes are the most common type, accounting for 87% of all strokes. 

• A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a rupture or aneurysm in a weakened artery that leads to bleeding in the brain and compresses the brain tissue around it. These account for approximately 13% of all strokes. 

Some patients experience Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA). These are also referred to as mini-strokes and cause temporary blockages to the brain that resolve on their own. They are often a warning sign of a future stroke, and you should seek medical attention immediately.  

Depending on the location and severity of the clot or rupture, symptoms and recovery time differ from one person to another. Time is of the essence during a stroke, as prompt medical care can minimize damage and improve chances of recovery. Call 911 immediately! Time = Brain! 

Learn the warning signs: B – E – F – A - S - T 

Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke can help save a life and limit a person’s chance of developing a long-term disability. Memorizing this acronym will help you quickly identify if someone is having a stroke:

B – E – F – A – S – T.  

• Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination, feeling dizzy 

• Eye – Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes 

• Face/Head - Weakness, numbness, drooping, tingling of the face (usually one side of the body) and/or severe, sudden headache 

• Arm/Leg – Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arm or leg (usually only on one side of your body) and/or sudden trouble walking or moving your arm or leg 

• Speech – Trouble talking or understanding words or speech 

• Time to Call 911 for Emergency Help! 

Don’t delay. Even if you’re not sure it is a stroke, seek medical care and get checked!  

Risk Factors of Stroke 

High blood pressure is the most controllable risk factor in preventing a stroke. Maintaining a normal blood pressure can reduce your stroke risk by 50%. High blood pressure puts stress on the blood vessels by causing plaque buildup, inflammation, and small vessel disease. Other stroke risk factors include: 

• Age – As you age, your risk factors increase.  

• Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) 

• Diabetes 

• Diet 

• Excessive alcohol consumption 

• Family History 

• Heart Disease 

• High Cholesterol 

• Lack of physical activity 

• Obesity 

• Previous strokes, TIA’s, or heart attacks 

• Sleep Apnea 

• Smoking 

Prevention 

The American Stroke Association estimates that 80% of strokes and vascular diseases are preventable. One in four people who survive a stroke will experience a second stroke.  

Healthy lifestyle modifications such as, establishing routine visits with a health care provider, quitting smoking, moving more, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and eating a healthy diet, can significantly reduce your risk of stroke. A health care provider can help you better understand your risk factors and develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage and treat additional risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease.  Learn more about strokes and prevention by visiting www.stroke.org. 

The information in this blog was compiled from the American Stroke Association and contributed to by Melisse Maser, CRNP.  Melisse has been an Independence Health System Butler Memorial Hospital nurse practitioner for 19 years. She specializes in neurology and oversees the hospital’s stroke program. 

* Butler Memorial, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland are all designated as Primary Stroke Centers.