A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Ignoring the signs and symptoms of a stroke can have devastating consequences, including permanent disability and even death. Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the symptoms of a stroke and delay seeking treatment. This article will examine the dangers of ignoring a stroke and emphasize the importance of acting FAST when stroke strikes.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can happen in two ways:
Ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke accounts for about 87% of all strokes. It happens when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. This causes bleeding into the brain that damages brain cells.
Regardless of the cause, during a stroke, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die within minutes. The effects of a stroke depend on the location and extent of brain damage. The damage can impact a person’s abilities, including speech, movement, memory, and more.
Stroke signs and symptoms
Spotting the signs of stroke early and seeking immediate medical treatment can help prevent death and disability. The American Stroke Association uses the acronym FAST to highlight common stroke signs:
Face drooping
One side of the face may droop or become numb. Ask the person to smile – is their smile uneven or lopsided?
Arm weakness
Weakness or numbness can suddenly affect one arm. Ask the person to raise both arms – does one drift downward?
Speech difficulty
Speech may become slurred, garbled, or difficult to understand. The person may have trouble speaking or understanding speech.
Time to call 911
If any of these signs are present, even if symptoms seem minor, it’s time to call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Other signs of stroke can include:
– Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg, face, or arm, especially on one side of the body
– Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
– Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
– Sudden severe headache with no known cause
– Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
The dangers of ignoring a stroke
Every minute counts when a stroke strikes. Seeking immediate emergency care can mean the difference between recovery and profound, lifelong disability – or even death. Here’s why acting fast is so important:
Brain damage can worsen quickly
During a stroke, almost two million brain cells are lost every minute until blood flow is restored. This can cause irreversible brain damage, so prompt treatment is vital.
There are clot-busting drugs
The only FDA-approved medical treatment for ischemic stroke is intravenous tPA, a clot-busting drug. But it must be given within 3-4.5 hours of stroke onset to be effective. After that, the risks outweigh the benefits.
Endovascular therapies can help
Some major stroke centers also offer endovascular therapies, such as manually removing the clot or stent retrievers. These must also be given very quickly after onset of symptoms.
Rehabilitation works best started early
Beginning rehabilitation as soon as possible can help maximize recovery. Ignoring a stroke means losing precious time when intensive therapy would be most beneficial.
Future strokes may be preventable
Finding the underlying cause of an ischemic stroke can help prevent subsequent attacks. Prompt evaluation and treatment help reduce risk of recurrence.
Let’s look at two hypothetical scenarios to understand the importance of acting quickly when a stroke strikes:
Scenario 1: Acting FAST
Joan suddenly has difficulty speaking and confusion. Her husband recognizes the signs of stroke and immediately calls 911. At the hospital, a brain scan confirms Joan is having an ischemic stroke. She receives intravenous tPA within 3 hours of symptom onset. The clot-busting drug stops her stroke in its tracks. After monitoring and rehabilitation, Joan returns home with no major disabilities.
Scenario 2: Ignoring Symptoms
John has trouble seeing out of his left eye. He decides to take a nap, thinking he’s just tired. When John wakes up several hours later, he has lost all vision in that eye. His left arm and leg are also numb and weak. His wife rushes him to the ER. Doctors determine John had a stroke, but too much time has passed to give clot-busting medication. The stroke caused irreversible vision loss and paralysis on John’s left side, which could have been prevented with prompt treatment.
The takeaway
Stroke is a true emergency. At the first sign of stroke, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve or drive yourself to the hospital. Ambulances can begin medical care right away and ensure you get to the best hospital to treat stroke.
Reducing your stroke risk
While some risk factors for stroke like age and family history cannot be changed, many can be managed or treated. Here are some top ways to help prevent stroke:
Control high blood pressure
High blood pressure is the single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. Keep blood pressure below 120 systolic and 80 diastolic with diet, exercise and medications if prescribed.
Manage diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes can damage blood vessels and lead to stroke. Work with your doctor to keep blood sugar levels within target ranges.
Quit smoking
Smoking doubles the risk of ischemic stroke. It’s never too late to quit – smoking cessation immediately lowers stroke risk.
Lose excess weight
Being overweight or obese increases the chances of having a stroke. Even modest weight loss can reduce risk.
Eat a healthy diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy may help protect against stroke. Limit sodium, sugar, saturated fat and trans fat.
Exercise regularly
Physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week may help boost blood flow and lower stroke risk. Even small amounts can make a difference.
Limit alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Men should stick to 1-2 drinks per day, women 1 or fewer.
Know your cholesterol
High LDL cholesterol can clog arteries and raise stroke risk. Get tested and discuss medications like statins with your doctor if needed.
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of serious disability and death. Recognizing symptoms early and calling 911 right away offers the best chance for recovery. While some risk factors are out of your control, many lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk. Do not ignore a stroke – be prepared to act FAST at the first signs of stroke, and know how to reduce your risk before stroke strikes. Prompt action means you have the power to protect yourself and those you love.
Conclusion
In summary, ignoring or delaying treatment when experiencing signs of a stroke can have catastrophic consequences. Brain damage worsens quickly without blood flow, disabling deficits can become permanent, and treatments are only helpful within a short time window. At the first suspicion of stroke, immediately call emergency services for rapid transport to hospital-based care. Knowing the FAST signs, acting quickly, and reducing modifiable risk factors are key to protecting yourself and loved ones from debilitating or fatal strokes. Do not downplay symptoms – losing time means losing brain. Identifying and managing stroke early on can go a long way towards safeguarding your abilities, independence and quality of life.