Stroke

A stroke is a serious medical condition that requires emergency care, so being able to identify stroke symptoms is important. Call 911 if you or someone you know experiences any of these warning signs:

• Difficulty talking or understanding speech
• Loss of coordination, including walking or balancing
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Severe headache
• Sudden onset of confusion
• Vision problems in one or both eyes

The popular acronym, F.A.S.T., is an easy way to remember the warning signs of a stroke:

• F: Face drooping
• A: Arm weakness
• S: Speech slurring or difficulty
• T: Time to call 911

The stroke treatment you receive depends on the type of stroke you are experiencing.

If you are having an ischemic stroke, you may receive clot-busting medication, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), or another clot removal device to reestablish blood flow to the brain. Doctors have to work quickly with ischemic stroke patients because the quicker the symptoms are treated, the better the chance of your recovery.

Hemorrhagic strokes are more debilitating than ischemic strokes. Although they range in severity, there are fewer options for a successful intervention. Receiving immediate emergency care can help control the bleeding in your brain and reduce the pressure caused by bleeding. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair ruptured blood vessels.

Stroke rehabilitation

We offer specialized physical therapy and rehabilitation services to help you during your recovery. Our experienced therapists will create a customized plan to address your specific needs so you can regain your mobility and independence as quickly as possible. Stroke rehab includes focused work on swallowing, speech, cognition, strength and balance as needed by each patient.

There are many lifestyle factors that reduce your quality of life and increase your risk of having a stroke, such as:

• Lack of activity and exercise: When you are inactive, you increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or cardiovascular disease. You can take small steps toward a healthier lifestyle by taking short walks around your neighborhood or using the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Poor diet and nutrition: If your diet is high in saturated fat, trans fat or cholesterol, it can raise your cholesterol to dangerous levels. With too much bad cholesterol (or LDL, low-density lipoprotein) in your blood, the walls of your arteries develop buildup (plaque) that blocks the arteries leading to your heart and brain. You can improve your diet by eating less sugar and more healthy, small meals with the right balance of nutrition.
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2): People with diabetes tend to have other stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or extra weight. You can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by exercising on a regular basis, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting your alcohol consumption and eating a well-balanced diet.
• Cigarette smoking: The nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke damages the heart and surrounding blood vessels. If you smoke, quit.
• High blood pressure: Having high blood pressure is the leading cause of a stroke. However, you can keep your blood pressure down by eating a well-balanced diet, becoming and staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and, if necessary, using medication.