Church Partnership Newsletter February 2015 | Page 3
Stroke
To understand stroke, it helps to understand something about the brain. The brain controls movements, stores
memories, and is the source of thoughts, emotions, and language. The brain also controls many functions of the body,
like breathing and digestion. To work properly, the brain needs oxygen. Although the brain makes up only 2% of body
weight, it uses 20% of the oxygen we breathe. A rteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to all parts body including the brain.
If there is an interruption of the flow of blood to the brain, brain cells start to die within minutes because of lack of
oxygen. This is called a stroke.. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. If brain cells
die or are damaged because of a stroke, symptoms of that damage start to show in the parts of the body controlled by
those brain cells.
3 main types of stroke:
Ischemic Stroke
Most strokes (85%) are ischemic strokes. This means, the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes
blocked. Blood clots often cause the blockages that lead to ischemic strokes.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
This occurs when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The leaked blood puts too much pressure
on the brain cells, causing damage. High blood pressure and aneurysms (balloon-like bulges in an artery that can stretch
and burst) are examples of conditions that can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. There are two types:
Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when an artery in the brain
bursts, flooding surrounding tissue with blood
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is less common type of hemorrhagic stroke. It refers to bleeding in the area between
the brain and the thin tissue that covers it.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A TIA is sometimes called a "mini-stroke". It is different from the major types of stroke because blood flow to the brain is
blocked for only a short time, usually no more than 5 minutes. Keep in mind that a TIA is a warning sign of a future
stroke and is a medical emergency; and just like a major stroke – Call 9-1-1.
During a stroke, every minute counts! Fast treatment can reduce the brain damage that stroke can cause. By knowing
the signs and symptoms of stroke, you can be prepared to take quick action and perhaps save a life—maybe even your
own. Signs of a stroke are:
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone else has any of these symptoms.
Acting F.A.S.T. can help stroke patients get the treatments they desperately need.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Note the time when any symptoms first appear. Some treatments for stroke only work if given in the first 3 hours after
symptoms appear. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call an ambulance so that medical
personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
Resources: http://www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm