38505 Brooten Rd,

 

Suite A, PO Box 655,

 

Pacific City, OR  97135

 

For Appointments:

 

503-965-6555

  

Fax: 503-965-6800

 ~ Stroke ~

What is a stroke?

 

Most strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery that carries blood to the brain.  This can cause that part of the brain to be damaged, and you may lose control of a function that is controlled by that part of the brain.  For example, you may lose the use of an arm or leg, or the ability to speak.  The damage could be temporary or permanent, partial or complete.  Doctors have found that if you get treatment right away after symptoms start, there may be a better chance of getting the blood moving to the brain, and a lesser chance of damage.

 

How to know if you are having a stroke?

 

Symptoms may include:

 

·          Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.

 

·          Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.

 

·          Double vision

 

·          Loss of speech, trouble talking or understanding what others are saying.

 

·          Sudden confusion or trouble understanding.

 

·          Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

 

·          Unexplained dizziness, unstable walking or falling, especially along with any of the other symptoms.

 

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.  The sooner you get help, the more your provider can do to prevent permanent damage to your brain.

 

Another warning sign of a stroke is called a TIA, or Transient Ischemic Attack, or mini-stroke.  A TIA can cause the symptoms listed above and may last only a few minutes, but should not be ignored. People who have a TIA are at greater risk of having a stroke later.  Call your doctor immediately if you think you are having a TIA. 

 

Risk factors for a stroke:

 

·          Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

 

·          Uncontrolled diabetes

 

·          High blood pressure

 

·          High cholesterol level

 

·          Smoking

 

·          Previous transient ischemic attack (TIA)

 

·          Heart disease

 

·          Carotid artery disease (the artery that carries blood to your brain)

 

How can I avoid having a stroke?

 

·          If your blood pressure is high, follow your doctor’s advice to control it.

 

·          Avoid foods that are high in fat and cholesterol, and eat less sodium (salt), to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

 

·          If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar level under control.

 

·          Limit your alcohol intake.

 

·           Quit smoking. 

 

Talk to your provider about your specific risk factors for a stroke and how to reduce your risk.  Ask for advice on making lifestyle changes, and ask friends and family for support.  Regular checkups are important to find problems that can increase your risk of having a stroke.  Talk to your doctor about whether taking aspirin in low doses would help reduce your risk of stroke or TIA.  Aspirin can help keep your blood from forming clots that can eventually block the arteries.

 

This information was received from an article on Stroke: Warning Signs and Tips for Stroke Prevention at familydoctor.org.  Get information on stroke rehabilitation.

 

For more information visit:

 

National Stroke Association   800-STROKES (800-787-6537)

www.stroke.org

 

American Heart Association   800-AHA-USA1 (800-242-8721)

www.americanheart.org

 

 

 

Bayshore Family

 

Medicine

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