May is National Stroke Month

BY JAMES S. BURKHARDT, D.O.

            A stroke occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a portion of the brain is blocked.  Without oxygen, brain cells start to die after a few minutes.  Sudden bleeding in the brain also can cause a stroke.

            The two main types of stroke are ischemic and hemorrhagic.  Ischemic is the more common type of stroke.

            An ischemic stroke occurs if an artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked.  Blood clots often cause the blockages that lead to ischemic strokes. 

            A hemorrhagic stroke occurs if an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open).  The pressure from the leaked blood damages brain cells.  High blood pressure and aneurysms (AN-u-risms) are examples of conditions that can cause hemorrhagic strokes.  (Aneurysms are balloon-like bulges in an artery that can stretch and burst.)

            If brain cells die or are damaged because of a stroke, symptoms occur in the parts of the body that these brain cells control.  Examples of stroke symptoms include sudden weakness; paralysis or numbness of the face, arms, or legs (paralysis is an inability to move); trouble speaking or understanding speech; and trouble seeing. 

             A stroke can cause permanent brain damage, long term disability and even death.  In fact, stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. Only heart disease and cancer cause more deaths.  And although the risk of having a stroke increases with age, strokes can occur at any age.  Nearly 24% of strokes occur in people under the age of 65. 

            Another condition that’s similar to a stroke is a transient ischemic attack, also called a TIA or “mini-stroke.”  A TIA occurs if blood flow to a portion of the brain is blocked only for a short time.  Thus, damage to the brain cells isn’t permanent (lasting).

            Like ischemic strokes, TIAs often are caused by blood clots.  Although TIAs are not full-blown strokes, they greatly increase the risk of having a stroke.  If you have a TIA, it’s important for your doctor to find the cause so you can take steps to prevent a stroke.

            The following are guidelines for prevention of strokes. 

-Know your blood pressure.  If it is elevated, work with your family doctor to keep it under control.  High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke.  Have your blood pressure checked at least once each year – more often if you have a history of high blood pressure. 

-Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (AF).  If you have AF, work with your doctor to manage it.  Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to collect in the chambers of your heart.  This blood can form clots and cause a stroke.  Your doctor can usually detect AF by carefully checking your pulse.

-If you smoke, stop.  Smoking doubles the risk for stroke.  If you stop smoking today, your risk for stroke will begin to decrease. 

-If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.  Drinking a glass of wine or beer or one drink each day may lower your risk for stroke (provided that there is no other medical reason you should avoid alcohol).  Remember that alcohol is a drug – it can interact with other drugs you are taking, and alcohol is harmful if taken in large doses.

-Know your cholesterol number.  If it is high, work with your doctor to control it.  Lowering your cholesterol may reduce your stroke risk.  High cholesterol can also indirectly increase stroke risk by putting you at greater risk of heart disease – an important stroke risk factor.  Often times, high cholesterol can be controlled with diet and exercise; some individuals may require medication. 

-Control your diabetes.  If you are diabetic, follow your family doctor’s recommendations carefully because diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke.  Your family doctor can prescribe a nutrition program, lifestyle changes and medicine that can help control your diabetes. 

-Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine.  A brisk walk, swim or other exercise activity for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways, and may reduce your risk for stroke. 

-Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.  By cutting down on sodium and fat in your diet, you may be able to lower your blood pressure and, more importantly, lower your risk for stroke. 

-Ask your family doctor if you have circulation problems.  If so, work with your doctor to control them.  Fatty deposits can block arteries that carry blood from your heart to your brain.  Sickle Cell disease, severe anemia, or other diseases can cause stroke if left untreated.

-If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. 

            If you have any questions, your family doctor is a great resource.