Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability, affecting more than 795,000 people in the United States every year. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of a stroke. Stroke awareness and education are vital to the prevention and recognition of this debilitating condition.

In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of stroke awareness and explore the key information you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage or a burst blood vessel. It can result in severe damage to the brain and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s quality of life. A stroke can occur at any age and can affect people with varying levels of health. Recognizing the signs of a stroke can significantly improve a person’s chance of survival and recovery.

What are the signs of a stroke?

Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention. The acronym F.A.S.T. is a helpful tool to remember the common signs:

1. Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile to check for this symptom.
2. Arm weakness: Weakness or numbness may occur in one arm or leg. Ask the person to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward.
3. Speech difficulties: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding others may indicate a stroke. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to assess their speech.
4. Time to call emergency services: If any of these signs are present, it is essential to call emergency services immediately and seek medical attention.

It is important to note that other signs may also be indicative of a stroke, such as sudden severe headache, vision problems, dizziness, and trouble with balance and coordination. Acting quickly when a stroke is suspected is crucial for receiving timely medical intervention and improving the chances of recovery.

Take this quiz to evaluate your stroke risk factors.

Understanding these risk factors is an essential step toward prevention.

How do I prevent a stroke?

Prevention plays a vital role in reducing the incidence of stroke:

• Eat healthy: Following a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Exercise regularly: Engaging in physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week can help maintain a healthy weight, control blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. Not sure where to start? Contact a PTS Physical Therapist to develop your customized fitness program.
• Control your blood pressure: Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure through medication, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes.
• Manage Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes should strive to maintain stable blood sugar levels through medication, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring.
• Quit smoking: Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of strokes and provides numerous other health benefits.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and contribute to the development of certain risk factors for strokes. Moderation is key.
• Annual wellness visits: Routine check-ups, like an annual physical therapy evaluation, allow healthcare professionals to assess and manage risk factors effectively.

What should I know about stroke recovery?

After experiencing a stroke, recovery, and rehabilitation are crucial for regaining lost abilities and improving quality of life.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are critical to stroke recovery. Rehabilitation after a stroke significantly affects an individual’s ability to regain their independence and participate in meaningful activity. The sooner therapy starts, the better the outcome. It is common to start stroke rehabilitation as soon as 24 to 48 hours after your stroke, while you’re in the hospital. The support of healthcare professionals, along with the love and encouragement of family and friends, can make a tremendous difference in the recovery journey.

Ready to test your knowledge?

Take this short quiz to test your stroke knowledge!

Stroke awareness is essential for understanding the signs, risks, and prevention strategies associated with this serious medical condition. By recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting swiftly, lives can be saved and the chances of recovery can be significantly improved. Want to learn more about stroke prevention or recovery? Contact one of our professionals today!