Strokes

Strokes occur when circulation to the brain is cut off and the brain dies. They are caused by clogged blood vessels or brain bleedings. Strokes can cause paralysis and speech problems and death, but the extent of damage depends on how much of the brain is damaged and how quickly the stroke is treated. If you think you may be having a stroke, remember FAST:

F – Face: is the face uneven or does it droop on one side?
A – Arm: is there a weakness or numbness in an arm? Does one arm drift down when held out?
S – Speech: is the person having trouble speaking?
T – Time: if there are signs of a stroke seek help immediately. The sooner the treatment the better the chances of recovery.

There are the various treatments a stroke may involve:

Medicine to break up blood clots
Medicine to prevent blood clots
Discontinuation of blood thinning medications, for strokes that involve bleeding in the brain

Surgery
Carotid Endarterectomy, or clearing blockages in the neck arteries

TIA is a Transient Ischemic Attack and is like a stroke but no permanent brain damage occurs. This occurs as the blood vessel in the brain is blocked only for a short time, and re-opens. A TIA is a warning that a larger stroke may occur.

Stroke prevention includes the following:

Stop smoking
Get regular exercise
Weight loss
Eat a healthy diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables
Limit salt intake
Limit alcohol
Good blood pressure control
Cholesterol medications, usually a statin
Blood thinner such as aspirin
Good diabetic control