Why Strokes Aren't Just for Grandparents: A Teenager's Guide

Did you know the following:

Famous people suffered a stroke? Dick Clark, President Gerald Ford, Charles Dickens, Charles Schulz.

A stroke, much akin to a "brain attack," mirrors the concept of a heart attack but involves the brain instead of the heart. During a heart attack, the heart muscle suffers due to inadequate blood supply. Similarly, in a stroke, the problem arises when the brain doesn't receive sufficient blood. If this lack of blood flow persists for a couple of hours or more, sections of the brain can become irreparably damaged. However, if blood supply resumes within a shorter timeframe, the resulting stroke symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties may recede in a few hours. This shorter, temporary episode is termed a transient ischemic attack (TIA) rather than a full - blown stroke.

Strokes and TIAs occur when a portion of the brain is deprived of vital oxygen and nutrients. This usually happens due to a blockage in a blood vessel restricting the flow of blood to a specific part of the brain, most commonly resulting from a blood clot. Risk factors escalating the likelihood of strokes and TIAs include smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, irregular heart rhythm, being above 55 years of age, and a genetic predisposition towards strokes or TIAs.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is crucial for prompt intervention. Here are five pointers for identifying a stroke, summarized as “Give Me 5 for Stroke: Walk, Talk, Reach, See, and Feel.”

• Walk: Does the individual demonstrate a lack of balance?

• Talk: Are they experiencing difficulty in speech or a drooping face?

• Reach: Is there weakness or numbness on one side of their body?

• See: Is their vision impaired or completely lost?

• Feel: Are they experiencing an intense headache?

Additionally, the five sudden warning signs of stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body

• Sudden confusion, trouble articulating, or comprehending

• Sudden vision impairment in one or both eyes

• Sudden issues with walking, feeling dizzy, or losing balance or coordination

• Sudden intense headache without a recognizable cause

Immediate medical intervention is paramount if a stroke is suspected. Dial 9-1-1 without delay.

The primary objectives of stroke and TIA treatment aim to restore normal blood flow to the brain, mitigate complications, and prevent future strokes. If administered within three hours from the onset of symptoms, a drug to dissolve the blood clot could be beneficial. However, it does carry the risk of excessive bleeding. Treatment may also involve medication to reduce blood clotting, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Recovery chances after a stroke or TIA are higher with early intervention. In severe cases, patients may require physical and speech therapy, either at home or in a healthcare facility. Post-stroke, additional assistance may be necessary to help patients navigate regular activities and driving.

Reference(s)

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• Yew KS, Cheng EM. Diagnosis of acute stroke. Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(8):528 - 536. Accessed January 3, 2022. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0415/p528.html

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