We often think of strokes as dangers faced by the elderly. It is true that the risk of stroke increases after the age of 65. However, stroke rates have been rising for those in the 18-64 age range according to a study published by the CDC this May, so it is best to watch for signs of a stroke in individuals of any age.
Once a stroke occurs, minutes count. Helping a victim right away can sometimes prevent severe disability and even death. Luckily, the signs of a stroke are easy to remember. Just keep in mind to BE FAST, which stands for the following:
• Balance. Look for an abrupt loss of balance.
• Eyes. Watch for and ask the possible stroke victim about vision loss.
• Face. Notice whether one side of the potential victim’s face is numb or starts to droop.
• Arm. Ask the potential victim to raise their arms. If a stroke has occurred, one of the arms will likely fall or be numb or weak.
• Speech. Have the individual repeat a simple phrase. Do you notice slurring or mistakes when they repeat it? Is it hard to understand what they are saying?
• Time to call 9-1-1. Even if these symptoms don’t last long, be sure to call for help.
Other common symptoms of a stroke are a bad headache that can’t be explained, confusion, vomiting and dizziness.
There are two types of strokes. The rarer kind, the hemorrhagic stroke, is more dangerous; it means blood vessels in the brain have broken and are bleeding. The ischemic stroke, the more common type of stroke, is typically caused by a clot in a vessel that transmits blood to or is already in the brain. Moments count after someone has experienced either type of stroke because according to the American Stroke Association, almost two million brain cells could be dying for every minute of delay in treatment. A stroke can cause numerous health problems even if it is not fatal, including blood clots, bladder and bowel control issues, difficulty with movement, seizures, problems swallowing and communication and memory losses.
Luckily, lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on the likelihood of a stroke. An August 2016 study in the journal Lancet analyzed participants in 32 countries. This study, led by Martin O’Donnell, Ph.D., concluded that 10 of the risk factors for stroke can possibly be reduced with behavioral changes. Some of the risks studied include alcohol use, current smoking, hypertension, exercise and diet. Other factors were heart health and psychosocial factors, which could include, among other issues, a person’s stress level.
No wonder the American Stroke Association claims that as many as 80 percent of strokes could be avoided with lifestyle changes. If you are making substantial changes to your daily behavior, of course, you may need to make them gradually so that you can stick to your new routines. If you are planning diet or exercise changes, you can find wellness offerings through the Eskenazi Health Healthy Me program at www.eskenazihealth.edu/programs/healthy-me. If you are worried about the ways workplace stress or other mental health factors may be increasing your chances of having a stroke, call the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center at 317-880-8491. You can always consult with your primary care provider if you are unsure which steps to take.
While your first response to a stroke should be calling 9-1-1, resources are also available after or even before a stroke. The Eskenazi Health Stroke Center provides comprehensive care, including prevention, diagnosis and acute treatment for stroke. Request an appointment at eskenazihealth.edu/health-services/stroke-center or reach them through the main switchboard at 317-880-0000.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D., family medicine specialist with Eskenazi Health Center Grande