May/JUNe 2013 - Jersey Shore Medical Center

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Stroke Prevention and Treatment: What You Need to Know Meridian Health MeridianHealth.com • 1-800-DOCTORS 28 There are about 6 million stroke survivors alive today. Even so, stroke — a blood clot that blocks an artery or a blood vessel to the brain — remains the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. Both women and men are at risk for stroke, so it’s important to know the symptoms and what you can do to protect against stroke, as well as treatment and rehabilitation options if you suffer a stroke. Lower Your Risk There are some well-established risk factors for stroke, including smoking, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. In addition to these risk factors, for men with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, their risk of suffering a stroke doubles compared with those who are at a healthy weight. Other research has explored the association between obesity and stroke risk in women. Some studies have found a potential connection, while others have not. There are some strategies you can incorporate into your lifestyle today that can help protect against stroke. These include: • Maintaining a healthy weight • Following your doctor’s recommendations for managing chronic diseases • Not smoking • Limiting alcohol to one drink a day • Exercising at a moderate pace for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week • Choosing whole grains • Aiming for at least five to six servings of fruits and vegetables a day • Getting at least 600 mg of calcium daily from dairy products. “Some studies suggest women who consume adequate amounts of calcium have a lower risk for stroke,” says Robert Terranova, D.O., board certified in neurology, Southern Ocean Medical Center. “Calcium also has the added benefit of improving bone density.” Recognizing, Acting on Stroke Symptoms One of the ways a transient ischemic attack (TIA) — sometimes called a ministroke — differs from a stroke in that it usually doesn’t cause permanent brain damage. A TIA occurs when blood flow is interrupted by a blood clot or cholesterol embolus to a portion of the brain, arising from the heart, carotid, or intracranial vessel to vessel. Also known as “warning strokes,” TIAs often predict the occurrence of a major stroke, so it’s critical to pay attention to the signs. Symptoms of a TIA or stroke can include: • Numbness in your face, arms, or legs — especially on one side of the body • Dizziness or loss of coordination • Loss of vision or double vision • Confusion or language difficulties “These signs can be difficult to recognize, because they come on Get in the Game: Read Harry Carson’s Blog As the spokesperson for Meridian Neuroscience, Harry Carson, pro football Hall of Famer and former captain of the New York Giants, is an advocate for concussion and stroke awareness. In his “Get in the Game” blog, he talks about physical and emotional wellness, and loving yourself. To learn more about Harry’s experiences with sports injuries and living a healthy life, go to www.MeridianHealth.com/HarryCarson. suddenly and usually last a short period of time,” says Paul Gilson, M.D., of Ocean Medical Center. If you experience any of these symptoms — even if they last only a few minutes — it’s critical to seek emergency medical help right away. By doing so, you may be able to prevent a devastating stroke. Treating Stroke Although there is no cure for stroke, advanced medical and surgical treatments are now available, giving many stroke victims hope for optimal recovery. “Stroke treatment is most effective when started immediately,” says Stephen Martino, M.D., medical director of the Stroke Program for Meridian Neuroscience at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Emergency treatment following a stroke may include medications to dissolve blood clots; medications and therapy to reduce or control brain swelling; and medications that help protect the brain from damage and lack of oxygen.” There are also life support measures, such as ventilators and intravenous fluids, that can be used as needed. Numerous medications are available to help with recovery following a stroke or help prevent a stroke from occurring. These medications are given to help prevent additional blood clots from forming, for example, or to treat existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart, or blood pressure problems. In some cases, surgery will be an option to prevent a stroke, such as a carotid endarterectomy, which removes plaque and clots from arteries located in the neck. Specific treatments for stroke are determined by your doctor based on several factors, such as your age, overall health, and medical history; severity of the stroke; and the location and cause of the stroke.
Steps Toward Rehabilitation Participating in stroke rehabilitation can help people regain their independence and relearn skills lost when a stroke damages part of the brain. Rehab can involve physical and occupational therapy and exercises to help the person control movements and relearn how to walk, eat, and dress. After a stroke, many people may experience problems speaking, listening, writing, or comprehending speech, so rehab could entail therapy for communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists also help stroke survivors improve their ability to swallow. Rehab can also involve physical therapy. Therapists can help improve strength and function in strokeimpaired limbs, as well as coordination and balance. Range-of-motion exercises help patients regain mobility, but early rehab is essential to recovery. An occupational therapist can help stroke survivors relearn everyday activities, such as eating, going to Paul J. Gilson, M.D. Brick • 732-840-4666 Robert J. Terranova, D.O. Board certified in Neurology Manahawkin • 609-978-8870 the bathroom, and getting dressed. And rehabilitation can include psychological therapy. Depression is common after a stroke. Talking with a counselor and participating in support groups can help. Keys to Recovery If you have suffered a stroke, the degree of recovery varies widely from person to person, depending on the amount of damage the stroke caused and to which part of the brain. It also depends on the skill of the rehabilitation team and the cooperation of friends and family. “The most important element in Stephen J. Martino, M.D. Board certified in Neurology Neptune • 732-774-8282 Glenn Forman, M.D. Board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Red Bank • 732-741-2313 a stroke rehabilitation program is focused, repetitive practice that is carefully directed by a therapist or therapists,” says Glenn Forman, M.D., of Riverview Medical Center. Caregivers can best help stroke patients by meeting them halfway — allowing them to do as much as they can on their own before stepping in. It’s imperative for a person to work toward independence, and the only way to relearn the tasks of daily living is to try to do them. Grady’s love for bowling — and a remarkable care team — helped him fight his way back to the lanes after a stroke. Know the Warning Signs of Stroke • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause To hear more from our experts, go to MeridianNeuroscience.com. Meridian HealthViews • May/June 2013 29
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May/JUNe 2013 - Jersey Shore Medical Center

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