Five Things You Need to Ask Your Doctor about
Stroke
By: ARA
(ARA) - Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause
of adult disability in the United States. Every year, stroke strikes
approximately 750,000 Americans, killing 160,000 and forever changing the
lives of many who survive. The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes
can be prevented every year; the bad news is that studies conducted by the
National Stroke Association show that fewer than 30 percent of those
surveyed said their doctors discussed the topic of stroke during annual
exams.
A stroke is a “brain attack,” cutting off vital blood and
oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do -- from speaking, to
walking, to breathing. Most strokes occur when arteries are blocked by blood
clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. Some
strokes can be caused by arteries rupturing when weak spots on the blood
vessel wall break.
To help patients get the information they need to
control their risk factors for stroke, the National Stroke Association has
launched the Ask Your Doctor education campaign, urging you to ask your
doctor the following five questions on your next visit.
1. Am I at
risk for stroke?
Most people have some stroke risk. A few stroke
risk factors are beyond your control, such as being over age 55, being a
male, being an African-American, having diabetes, and having a family
history of stroke.
There are medical and lifestyle risk factors you
can control. Medical stroke risk factors include previous stroke, previous
episode of transient ischemic attack, or “TIA,” high cholesterol, high blood
pressure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease.
Lifestyle stroke risk factors include smoking, being overweight, and
drinking too much alcohol.
2. How do I lower my risk for stroke?
Address the risk factors you can control. Know your blood pressure, and work
with your doctor to keep it under control. If you smoke, stop. If you drink
alcohol, do so in moderation. Know your cholesterol, and if it is high, ask
your doctor for advice on lowering it. If you have diabetes, follow your
doctor’s recommendations carefully to control your condition. Include
exercise in your daily routine; a brisk walk, swim or other activity for as
little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways. Cut down on
sodium and fat in your diet. Finally, ask your doctor if you have
circulation problems.
3. What if I have a stroke?
If you
have a stroke, seek immediate medical attention -- stroke is an emergency.
Learn to recognize stroke symptoms. Common symptoms include: 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; and sudden severe headache with no known cause. Call 911 if
you see or have any of these symptoms. Treatment can be more effective if
given promptly -- every minute counts.
4. What are my recovery and
rehab options after my stroke?
Rehabilitation starts in the hospital
as soon as possible after the stroke. In patients who are stable,
rehabilitation may begin immediately after the stroke, and should be
continued as necessary after release from the hospital. Depending on the
severity of the stroke, rehabilitation options include physical, speech or
occupational therapy delivered in a number of settings: a rehab unit in the
hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, home therapy, outpatient therapy
clinics, and a long-term care facility that provides therapy and skilled
nursing care.
5. How can I support those touched by stroke?
If you are the primary caregiver for a stroke patient, you may want to find
a support group. Check with your doctor or hospital, or contact the National
Stroke Association. If a friend or relative has a stroke, offer to relieve
the caregiver for a few hours a week; volunteer to run errands, do grocery
shopping or provide meals. Don’t be afraid to ask the patient and caregiver
what they need.
For more information on stroke prevention, treatment
and recovery, visit www.stroke.org , the
National Stroke Association’s Web site or call (800) STROKES.
