(upbeat music)
- Weakness, confusion, difficulty seeing or speaking,
dizziness, severe headache with no cause.
These symptoms can indicate that a person
is having a stroke, especially if they occur suddenly,
or just on one side of the body.
As we say, time is brain.
Which means that the longer you wait
the more damage can occur to the brain.
So it's important to get medical attention immediately.
FAST, F for faces drooping, A for arm weakness,
S for speech difficulty, T, time to call 911.
FAST is the way to remember
what's happening might be a stroke.
Call 911.
Learn more from the American Stroke Association
at stroke.org.
So what exactly happens when a stroke occurs?
The blood flow to the brain is interrupted
either by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel.
And when this happens
brain cells begin to die within minutes,
which can cause permanent damage or even death.
If you think someone is having a stroke
it's important to seek medical attention.
So call 911 immediately.
Minutes matter.
So after that 911 call
you should take note of when the symptoms first appeared
to help doctors determine the best treatment option.
Stay with the person.
Help them remain calm until help arrives.
Don't give them anything to eat or drink
as they may have difficulty swallowing and might choke.
The faster a person gets medical attention
the better their chances of recovery are.
Let me repeat, minutes matter.
When help arrives the healthcare professionals
will determine the best course of action
to reduce the impact and improve
the chances of full recovery,
such as giving oxygen or medication
to prevent blood clots or lower blood pressure.
Once at the hospital, doctors will use imaging tests
such as CT scans, MRIs, and angiograms
to diagnose the type and severity,
that is how bad or how not so bad the stroke is.
They may use medication to dissolve blood clots
or to prevent new ones from forming.
They will also provide support to manage blood pressure,
control blood sugar levels, and prevent complications.
Long-term stroke recovery is a complex process
that can take months or even years
depending on the individual's condition
and severity of the stroke.
But here is a snapshot of what you can expect.
For the first 90 days, patients should be closely monitored
and attend regular follow up appointments
with their healthcare team.
The doctor will likely prescribe rehabilitation programs
to help recover motor, speech and cognitive functions.
So for one second, motor is your movement
and cognitive functions are about
how your brain is able to process information
and use that information.
This therapy may include physical, occupational,
speech or cognitive therapy.
All of which help patients regain independence
and improve their quality of life.
And the earlier you start rehab,
the more successful your recovery will be.
Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking,
reducing alcohol consumption, and managing stress
are very important to promote long-term recovery.
In addition, regular physical activity
can improve physical and mental health,
but it's important to consult with your healthcare team
including your doctor and physical therapist
before starting a physical activity program.
I recommend starting with simple range of motion exercises
such as stretching, resistance training,
balance and coordination activities
and cardiovascular exercise.
A healthy diet is also very important.
A balanced diet that includes plenty
of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein
and healthy fat will lower the risk
of future strokes and promote recovery.
If your doctor prescribes medications
for blood clot prevention or lowering blood pressure
it's really important to take them as directed.
Education is also critical for patients and their families.
Doctors and healthcare team
can provide resources about stroke prevention,
warning signs and strategies
for managing stroke related disabilities.
And when it comes to driving,
stroke patients are generally advised
to wait for several weeks.
Even then the healthcare team
will conduct a thorough assessment
of a patient's physical and cognitive abilities
including vision, reaction time, judgment and coordination.
The team may recommend rehab or training
before resuming driving.
In some cases, the patient may need periodic evaluations
to ensure they're able to drive safely.
One of the most significant aspects
of stroke recovery is mental health.
Stroke patients often experience
significant emotional distress
due to the sudden onset of illness.
And support from family, friends
and health professionals is critical
to managing these feelings and promoting recovery.
Patients may benefit from counseling or therapy
such as services from a psychologist
or a licensed clinical social worker
to help manage stress, anxiety,
depression and other challenges.
Support groups can be helpful for patients
and their families to connect them with others
who are having similar experiences
to access helpful resources and get practical advice.
In some cases, medications may help manage mood disorders
such as depression or anxiety
that can arise after a stroke.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
such as meditation or yoga
can help reduce stress and promote mental health.
And finally, occupational therapy
can help stroke patients develop strategies
to manage challenges such as memory loss,
attention difficulties, or mood changes.
Stroke recovery is a journey, not a sprint
and it's important to be patient,
persistent and optimistic.
During the first 90 days
patients need rehabilitation, lifestyle changes
and mental health support.
Above all, professional help and support
will greatly improve the quality of life
for patients and their families.
If you have questions about your health
I would love to hear from you.
Comment below, hit subscribe
and join me here next time
for answers you can trust.
(upbeat music)