A stroke is a "brain attack" cutting off blood oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do - from speaking, to walking, even breathing. Most strokes occur when the arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque.
Stroke was the fifth leading cause of death in South Carolina, resulting in 2,600 deaths during 2015. African Americans are 50 percent more likely to die from stroke than Caucasians in South Carolina. The good news is that many strokes can be prevented. Emergency treatments can help stop the brain damage and disability, if you know the symptoms and get immediate medical care.
It is important to recognize stroke symptoms and act quickly.
Common stroke symptoms in both men and women:
Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg -- especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Call 911 immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Every minute counts for stroke patients and acting FAST can lead patients to the stroke treatments they desperately need. The most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within the first three hours of the first symptoms.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act FAST and do this 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 911 immediately.
Note the time when any symptoms first appear. If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. Learn as many stroke symptoms as possible so you can recognize stroke as FAST as possible.
If symptoms appear for only a very short period of time and then disappear, you may be experiencing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” It is important to call 911 whenever you experience any stroke symptom because there is emergency medical treatment available that could save your life. While TIA's are not strokes, they indicate serious underlying stroke risks and are a powerful warning that a full stroke may soon follow.
Getting emergency medical treatment is important for several reasons: Only a doctor can tell for sure if you are having a stroke or a TIA. If you are having a TIA, your doctor will evaluate and treat the underlying causes. Following your doctor's orders for medication and treatment can help reduce your risk of having a stroke.
Dr. Kris Crawford is the medical director for McLeod Health Clarendon Emergency Services.
