�e� Tips onSpotting aStro�e
H�l� Name Raises A�areness �� Additi�nal �arnin� Si�ns
�r . Marissa Oller , �oard-certified neurologist at Holy �ameMedical Center . Atright is an updated acronym from the American Heart Association detailing the symptomsofa stro�e .
PHOTOS CO��TESY O� HO�Y �AME ME�ICA� CE�TE�
�oyou know howto recognizeifsomeone is having astroke� Most people revert to the acronym F . A . S . T . �face , arms , speech , time� to help them spot signs of astroke , acondition that can cause permanent neurological and cardiac damage or even death . Research has shown , however , that two other symptoms are often overlooked and the American Heart Association is now changing F . A . S . T . to B . E . �F . A . S . T . �balance , eyes , face , arms , speech , time� . HolyName Medical Center isleading the way in raising awareness of these additional warning signs .
For people who aren ’ t familiar with the full explanation of the warning signs , beaware that medical attention is neededimmediatelyifsomeone shows any ofthese sudden symptoms : loss ofbalance or uneven gait when trying to walk ; loss , double or blurredvision ; face drooping ; armorlegweakness ; speech difficulties ; thenitistime to call911 .
“ Time isofthe essence when it comes to suffering astroke ,” saysDr . MarissaOller , aboard-certified neurologist with Holy Name . “ The sooner the person gets to the hospital , thequicker he or she can receive life-savingtreatment .”
One national study showedthatin858 patients , 14 percent were not identified as havingastroke becausetheydid not haveany F . A . S . T . symptoms . Within thatunrecognizedgroup , however , �0percent had either gait imbalance , leg weakness or visual symptoms . When the additional symptoms were included , the numberof patients not identified as having astroke dropped to 4.4 percent .
Astroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is stopped , which can happen in twoways . Ablood vessel supplying blood tothe brain is obstructed bya clot , called an ischemic stroke . Or ablood vessel ruptures , causing swelling and pressure inside the brain , known as ahemorrhagic stroke . In both cases , brain cells are deprived ofoxygen and start todie , which can affect speech , movement and memory .
Thewindow fortreatingastrokewas previously three hours from the onset of symptoms . “ But withadvancements in treatment and therapies , Holy Name ’ s strokespecialists have been able to expandthatwindow forsome patients . Themessage , though , isalwaystoget medical attentionasquickly as possible .”
Strokes arecommon �someone has one every 40 seconds and a person dies every four minutes in the U . S . While it has been along-standing belief that strokes onlyhappentoolder people , nearlya quarter of all strokes occur in people younger than 65 . Tragic examples arethe deaths of actor �ukePerry , 52 , and “ Boyz N the Hood ” director John Singleton , 51 . Researchers aren ’ t sure why strokes are increasing in younger and middle-aged people butrisk factorssuchasunmanagedhypertension and high cholesterol are rising in people under50 . Stress can alsoplayarole , says Dr . Oller .
HolyName is designated a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and has earned the highest awardfor stroke care�GoldPlusfromthe American HeartAssociation / American StrokeAssociation .
“ Holy Name ’ s acute stroke team immediately evaluates apatient through astandard diagnosticprotocol of tests ,” Dr . Oller says . “ If appropriate , aclot-busting medicationor mechanical intervention is administered to help prevent permanent disabilities .”
If yousee someone youthinkishavingastroke , do not ignore the symptoms and immediately seek emergencymedical careby calling911 .
Call 201-8��-�000 or visithol�name . org for more information .
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