When Strokes Strike Silently
My dad told me the last time I was home (end of July or August I think...) that he has had 2 or 3 mini strokes over some period of time - maybe the last year?? he went to the doctor because he lost his vision for a few seconds and they took a cat scan and found evidence of mini strokes. He lost his vision once while he was driving. i'm pretty sure he is on medication now.
http://www.parade.com/health/2008/11/when-strokes-strike-silently
Dr. Ranit Mishori
Publication Date: 11/09/2008
If you had a stroke, would you know it? Not necessarily. According to a recent study published in the journal Stroke, one in 10 middle-aged Americans may suffer a stroke without displaying any symptoms.
Does it matter? After all, if a stroke is so minor that it passes unnoticed, what’s the harm? Well, any stroke, no matter how small, is a warning that another one may be coming, and the next one could be far more severe, with long-lasting physical and cognitive effects.
The study also confirmed what we already know-that high blood pressure, increased blood levels of a chemical called homocysteine, and plaque in the carotid arteries leading to the brain increase your likelihood of having a stroke. Other risk factors include having atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol levels, or being a smoker.
Most strokes (also known as cerebral vascular accidents, or CVAs) are caused by a blockage in an artery or arteries that carry blood to the brain. As a result, part of the brain is starved of blood and oxygen, leading to lost function in the parts of the body controlled by that area of the brain. For example, a stroke victim can lose his or her ability to use an arm or a leg, to speak, or to understand spoken language. Damage can be temporary or permanent.
The best way to deal with a stroke is to avoid having one in the first place. Make sure your blood pressure is controlled, maintain normal blood-sugar levels, and eat a healthy diet low in fat and salt. Limit your alcohol and don’t smoke. Ask your doctor about taking a low-dose aspirin daily. Though not for everyone, it may help to prevent strokes.
Know These 5 Warning Signs
There are five warning signs of stroke:
•Your speech has become slurred or you’re having trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying.
•You experience sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
•You suddenly lose vision in one eye or both eyes.
•You have a severe and sudden headache.
•You lose your balance, becoming unstable.
If you have any of these symptoms, even if they go away after a few minutes, call 911 immediately. Ask to be taken to a stroke center nearby. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances are of preventing permanent damage.
Comments: Your article on strokes neglected to cover strokes caused by bleeding into the brain. With so many people on blood thinners, this is an area that needs to be covered.
http://www.parade.com/health/2008/11/when-strokes-strike-silently
Dr. Ranit Mishori
Publication Date: 11/09/2008
If you had a stroke, would you know it? Not necessarily. According to a recent study published in the journal Stroke, one in 10 middle-aged Americans may suffer a stroke without displaying any symptoms.
Does it matter? After all, if a stroke is so minor that it passes unnoticed, what’s the harm? Well, any stroke, no matter how small, is a warning that another one may be coming, and the next one could be far more severe, with long-lasting physical and cognitive effects.
The study also confirmed what we already know-that high blood pressure, increased blood levels of a chemical called homocysteine, and plaque in the carotid arteries leading to the brain increase your likelihood of having a stroke. Other risk factors include having atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol levels, or being a smoker.
Most strokes (also known as cerebral vascular accidents, or CVAs) are caused by a blockage in an artery or arteries that carry blood to the brain. As a result, part of the brain is starved of blood and oxygen, leading to lost function in the parts of the body controlled by that area of the brain. For example, a stroke victim can lose his or her ability to use an arm or a leg, to speak, or to understand spoken language. Damage can be temporary or permanent.
The best way to deal with a stroke is to avoid having one in the first place. Make sure your blood pressure is controlled, maintain normal blood-sugar levels, and eat a healthy diet low in fat and salt. Limit your alcohol and don’t smoke. Ask your doctor about taking a low-dose aspirin daily. Though not for everyone, it may help to prevent strokes.
Know These 5 Warning Signs
There are five warning signs of stroke:
•Your speech has become slurred or you’re having trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying.
•You experience sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
•You suddenly lose vision in one eye or both eyes.
•You have a severe and sudden headache.
•You lose your balance, becoming unstable.
If you have any of these symptoms, even if they go away after a few minutes, call 911 immediately. Ask to be taken to a stroke center nearby. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances are of preventing permanent damage.
Comments: Your article on strokes neglected to cover strokes caused by bleeding into the brain. With so many people on blood thinners, this is an area that needs to be covered.