Rowan Regional Medical Center

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and it is important to heed the early warning signs of strokes and take preventive measures to reduce your risk. Strokes are the leading cause of disability and the fourth leading cause of death in America. In many cases, however, they don’t have to be disabling or deadly. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and acting quickly may help you or your loved one escape the damaging effects of a “brain attack.” Treatments are now available that can help prevent a stroke.

Blood flow problems Strokes are caused by problems with the circulation of blood in the brain. Blood circulation to the brain can be affected by either a hemorrhage, when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), or a blockage, when a clot blocks the flow of blood (ischemic stroke).

When one of these problems occurs, a person may experience one or more symptoms that happen suddenly. The symptoms may continue or they may disappear within minutes to hours. Warning signs to be aware of include:

Numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, often on one side of the body

• Episodes of dizziness
• Loss of vision in one eye or double vision
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Severe, sudden headache

It is very important to call 911 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Medications can be given in a hospital that can reverse the stroke, but they must be given within the first three hours of the onset of symptoms. Every minute counts.

Specific treatment Rowan Regional Medical Center is certified as a primary stroke center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The designation is awarded to healthcare facilities that have demonstrated excellence in healthcare quality and have met the rigorous national standards and performance measurements for stroke care established by the Joint Commission and the American Stroke Association.

Once warning symptoms are recognized, doctors can begin appropriate treatment. Treatments for strokes are very specific and depend upon the type, size and location of the blockage or disruption of blood flow in the brain. They may include the use of powerful drugs to dissolve brain clots or reduce and prevent hemorrhaging, or emergency surgical intervention may be necessary to stop bleeding into the brain. Quick action and early treatment can make a profound difference for a person’s health.

Although anyone can have a stroke, certain factors can place a person at higher risk. These factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, family history of stroke, irregular heartbeat (particularly atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation) and a narrowing of the arteries. People with one or more risk factors should receive a stroke screening test from a healthcare provider. The screening can include a review of medical history, a physical exam, an ultrasound exam of the neck to detect blood flow disturbances in the carotid arteries and blood tests for blood sugar and cholesterol levels (lipid profile).

Stroke prevention is also important. You can help prevent a stroke by getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. Keep chronic health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure under control by taking your medications and getting regular checkups.

Find out your risk for stroke! Rowan Regional Medical Center offers free heart & vascular disease risk assessments for anyone who feels they may be at risk. Call 1-800-335-4921 to schedule your appointment.