Articles

Strokes

I am sure everyone knows someone who has had a stroke. Strokes are the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. and kills more that 130,000 Americans each year. Someone in the U.S. has a stroke approximately every 40 seconds and dies every 4 minutes. About 795,000 people each year have a stroke in the U.S. and it is the leading cause of disability. Strokes costs the nation $33 billion annually, including the cost of health care services, and lost productivity.

Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, trouble seeing in one or both eyes or blurred or double vision, slurred or garbled speech, loss of muscle control on one side of the face, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or severe headache.

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when a blood vessel which carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked or ruptures. Ischemic strokes account for 80% of strokes and occur when a clot blocks a vessel. Causes include atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat that puts the person at 5X greater risk of stroke), a hole between the person’s heart chambers that usually closes before adulthood, blood clotting disorders, or a buildup of fats or cholesterol. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures. When either of these happen, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so brain cells die. That’s why strokes are medical emergencies and 911 should be called immediately!

Stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms, Stroke patients may not be eligible for these treatments if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time. If you think someone is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following 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 the speech slurred or strange?
  • T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

It is important to note and communicate to the healthcare provider the time when symptoms first appeared since this information will determine the best treatment. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive. Call 911 for an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.

Sometimes prior to having a stroke, people experience something called a T.I.A. (Transient Ischemic Attack). These are “warning strokes” that can happen before a major stroke and occur when blood flow through a brain artery is briefly blocked or reduced. A person who has a T.I.A. is 9.5 times more likely to have a stroke. T.I.A. symptoms are temporary but similar to a stroke. Even though this is not a stroke, a T.I.A. is a medical emergency.

On February 6, 2025, Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm, immediately after the Rambling Roses meeting, St. Therese of Lisieux will host a presentation on Strokes by Daniel Morganroth, N.P., Stroke Coordinator from Henry Ford Warren Hospital. Daniel will provide education on the causes, symptoms and treatments for strokes. Please RSVP since a light lunch will be provided. Please contact the parish office at 586-254-4433 or Marilyn Cito, the Parish Nurse at 586-254-4433 Ext.#320 or via email at Marilync@stol.church.

References: