Stroke

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately. Brain damage can begin within minutes, and quick treatment can help increase the chances of a full and meaningful recovery.

Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke

An easy way to remember the signs and symptoms of stroke is to B.E.F.A.S.T. 

B = Balance - Does the person complain of sudden onset unsteadiness, dizziness or difficulty walking? 
E = Eyes - Does the person complain of narrowing vision, blurred vision, seeing dark or bright spots? 
F = Face - Ask the person to smile & show their teeth. Is the smile even or lop-sided? 
A = Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms and hold them straight out. Does one arm drift downward? 
S = Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Do words sound slurred or garbled? 
T = Time - Knowing the time when the person was last seen “normal” helps determine the course of treatment and improve outcomes.
 

Types of Strokes

• Ischemic stroke – An ischemic stroke happens when there’s a clot or obstruction blocking the supply of blood going to your brain. Eighty-seven percent of all strokes are ischemic.
• Hemorrhagic stroke – A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) – A transient ischemic attack or TIA is caused by a temporary clot. It’s often referred to as a “mini-stroke” and serves as a warning stroke. TIAs should be taken very seriously.

Diagnosing & Treating a Stroke

Typically, a CT scan is the first test performed, during or after a stroke. A CT scan will show whether the stroke was caused by a blocked artery or by a leaking or ruptured artery.  

For a stroke caused by a clot or blockage, doctors might use:

• A clot-dissolving medicine called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), given through the patient’s vein. Tissue plasminogen activator needs to be used within three hours of having a stroke. That’s why it’s critical to identify a stroke and seek treatment right away.
• Intra-arterial thrombolytics (IA) may be given as long as eight hours after the first stroke symptom. In this procedure, a catheter is guided through the patient’s leg to the site of the clot. The clot-dissolving medication is then delivered directly onto the clot.
• Special procedures to reach the clot and remove or break it up.

Treatment for a stroke caused by a leaking or ruptured artery includes:

• Efforts to control bleeding, reduce pressure on the brain and stabilize vital signs, especially blood pressure.
• Surgery and non-surgical methods to repair the leak or rupture.
• Surgery to remove the blood that has built up inside the brain and to lower pressure inside the head.