Stroke - Know the Signs
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Access to timely medical care can make the difference between recovery and a negative outcome.
“There are two types of stroke,” explains Dr. Margaret Tremwel, a vascular neurologist with the Washington Regional J.B. Hunt Transport Services Neuroscience Institute. “The first one is a stroke due to a blood clot that gets stuck in the blood vessel of the brain. It blocks the flow of blood in that area of tissue and it doesn't get enough oxygen or blood, and if it's not treated and the clot removed in a timely fashion it can result in death of tissue,” Tremwel says. This type of stroke is called an ischemic stroke and is the most common type of stroke accounting for about 87% of stroke cases.
“The second type of stroke is a bleeding stroke, and that's when there's a breakage of a blood vessel in the brain,” Tremwel says. “The blood goes into the brain substance itself and causes pressure which can cause damage.” This type of stroke is called a hemorrhagic stroke.
With both types of stroke, it’s important to seek medical help by immediately calling 911. “The best way to remember the signs and symptoms of stroke is to use the mnemonic device BE FAST,” Tremwel says.
B is for balance. Watch for sudden problems with balance.
E is for eyes; either double vision, loss of vision, or difficulty moving eyes from one side or to the other.
F is for face. Have the person smile and see if the smile is symmetric. If one side of their smile droops down, it could signify a stroke.
A is for arms. Ask the person to hold their arms out in front of them. If one side drifts down, that could be a sign of stroke.
S is for speech; either slurring of words or being unable to speak.
T is for time to call 911.
“We have four and a half hours to give a clot buster therapy to try to resolve the symptoms,” explains Tremwel. “Time lost is brain lost during a stroke.”
Washington Regional Medical Center is the region’s only certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and is equipped to treat the most complex stroke cases with 24/7 in-person care with stroke specialists.
