Stroke - Time is of the essence

by John Boden

John with his youngest grandchild

If you, or someone you are with, show any of these symptoms:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially if on one side
  
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  
• Severe headache with no known cause

You can do a simple test, referred to as FAST, to help convince yourself, or the person experiencing the symptoms, how serious the situation is and the need for action.

FAST

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?

Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, Immediately! Note the time the symptoms began, call 911 or get to an emergency room fast. Brain cells are dying.

Pick one that is designated as a Certified Primary Stroke Center if possible.

There two types of strokes, Hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain) or Ischemic stroke (clot blocking blood flow into the brain). If an ischemic stroke is diagnosed within 3 hours of onset and depending on the location and cause of the clot, a clot-dissolving medicine called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)or some other new drug therapies may be able to be used and have a significantly positive effect on the long term out come.

After the emergency treatment, time is still critical as rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible after a stroke. The sooner it is begun, the more likely one is to regain more lost abilities and skills and to reach a full recovery. This is when the caregiver can have a significant impact by making sure that therapy is started at the earliest possible time and that it continues without interruption upon discharge if they are going home rather than to a rehab facility.

Ask the therapist if there are things you can do for 'Homework', what to do, how often and for how long, even while still in the hospital or the rehab, as well as at home. Investment in early and effective therapy will pay huge dividends in both the amount and the speed of recovery.

Learn more at the National Strike Association