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What is a stroke? A stroke is known medically as a cerebrovascular accident. The term "brain attack" is starting to be used to describe a stroke because the process is similar to a heart attack. In a stroke, brain tissue is damaged due to lack of blood flow.
What causes a stroke? A stroke is often caused by a blood clot in an artery narrowed by atherosclerosis [the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries], but can also occur when an artery leaks blood.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
A stroke is often preceded by transient ischemic attacks [TIAs], marked by reversible stroke symptoms. Emergency treatment at this stage often prevents a fatal or disabling stroke from occurring.
What can I do if I have the above symptoms?
The most promising treatment for ischemic stroke is the clot-busting drug t-PA, which must be administered within a THREE-HOUR window from the onset of symptoms to work best. This can be done right here at PAHCS. So don't disregard the symptoms. It could be a matter of life and death!
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