Well Dr. Gwynn, let's correct some points you missed. Age is probably the biggest risk factor in not getting diagnosed for stroke.
Pediatric Stroke Often Misdiagnosed, Treatment Delayed
Doctors tell boy, 15, he had a migraine after rugby tackle - but he was actually suffering a paralyzing stroke which nearly killed him
Factors Associated With Misdiagnosis of Acute Stroke in Young Adults
Age isn’t a factor when it comes to strokes
Having
a stroke isn't something that only happens to the elderly. Young people
are at risk, too. And it’s not confined to elderly, overweight smokers
who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
A
stroke is when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blood
clot or bleeding. The results can be devastating at any age. Without
treatment, cells in the brain quickly begin to die. These “brain
attacks” can lead to serious disability or death.
About
10 percent of the 800,000 strokes that happen in the U.S. each year
strike adults younger than 45. It is the fifth leading cause of death in
the U.S., killing nearly 140,000 Americans each year, according to the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here are things about stroke you should know.
Your age is the biggest risk factor
Traditionally,
those most susceptible are people 55 and older. But if you’re younger,
don’t assume you’re in the clear. Anyone at any age can have a stroke.
Some risks can be controlled
Some
stroke risk factors are beyond your control, like family history — that
means you’re at higher risk if a relative has had a stroke or a heart
attack at an early age. There are ways to lessen or control your risk.
One way is to work closely with your doctor to watch your blood pressure
and control cholesterol levels. Also quit smoking, limit alcohol
consumption, maintain a healthy weight and increase your physical
activity, which can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
Choose to eat healthy meals that are low in saturated fats, trans fats
and cholesterol and that are high in fiber.
Symptoms of a stroke
Recognizing
a stroke and seeking immediate treatment are keys to reducing the
damaging effects. If you or someone you know shows the sudden symptoms,
call 911 immediately. (tPA only works to completely reverse the stroke 12% of the time. Your doctor has no clue how fast it needs to be delivered to get complete recovery. You better have the classic stroke symptoms so you are correctly diagnosed as having a stroke.)
Stroke is more disabling than it is fatal
Stroke
remains a leading cause of disability in the U.S. In fact, the number
of people having strokes often with painful and debilitating
after-effects remains a major cause of concern. Patients should take
part in a stroke rehabilitation program — which consists of physical,
occupational and speech therapy — as soon as they’re strong enough.
Delaying rehab for even several days can make a difference.(Your doctor knows nothing and does nothing to help your rehab. As evidenced by the prescriptions written. E.T.(Evaluate and Treat) to the OT, PT and ST. Meaning your doctor knows nothing about what needs to be done to get 100% recovered)
Although you can’t control every risk factor for stroke, you can take steps to prevent stroke and its complications.
Learn the signs of a stroke
FAST is an acronym used to help detect and enhance responsiveness to stroke victim needs.
- Facial drooping: A section of the face, usually only on one side, that is drooping and hard to move.
- Arm weakness: The inability to raise one's arm fully.
- Speech difficulties: An inability or difficulty to understand or produce speech.
- Time: Time is of the essence when having a stroke, and an immediate call to emergency services or trip to the hospital is recommended.
For more information about upcoming free screenings and to find out about stroke support groups, visit northside.com/strokecenter.
Dr. Matthews W. Gwynn is the founder and medical director for Northside Hospital’s Stroke Center.
No comments:
Post a Comment