May is National Stroke Awareness Month
As May marks National Stroke Awareness Month, now is an important time to talk about the signs, symptoms, and treatment for stroke. As far too many Americans know, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, and every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of one – impacting a total of 795,000 people per year.
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in an artery within the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke, however, occurs when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures within the brain. Its major subtype, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), can be very serious and have serious consequences.
A Closer Look at Hemorrhagic Stroke and ICH
Hemorrhagic stroke makes up about 13% of stroke cases in adults, and approximately 44% of strokes in children. It is caused by a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds, accumulating and compressing the surrounding brain tissue, which can lead to neurologic symptoms and can be life threatening.
ICH is associated with a high risk of death and disability and can affect people of all ages. Because it is most commonly caused by high blood pressure, ICH often goes undetected until a major event occurs. In other cases, ICH may be triggered by trauma, infections, tumors, blood clotting deficiencies and abnormalities in the blood vessels.
Signs and Symptoms
Because stroke can lead to such serious outcomes, it’s important to know the symptoms and what to do if you notice them in yourself or someone else. A stroke is a medical emergency, and every minute counts. Some of the common symptoms of a stroke include numbness or weakness in the arm, face, or leg, sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, and dizziness.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
- F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
- A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
- T = Time to call 911
It is not always possible to prevent a stroke, but avoiding smoking, getting regular exercise, and following a nutritious diet may help.
Immediate Treatment is Critical
ICH and other strokes can be life-threatening and can require surgical, medical, or interventional neuroradiology treatment. Immediate treatment is essential, and emergency care often focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. This can involve repairing affected blood vessels or sealing an aneurysm.
It’s essential to partner with your doctor to understand whether you are at higher risk of bleeding due to a stroke and develop an emergency action plan, involving close friends and family members, to ensure swift access to care if needed.