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Copley Hospital on Stroke SymptomsFor Immediate Release10/27/2008
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and it is also the leading cause of long-term disability among adults. Yet, many Americans do not treat stroke as an emergency. “Stroke is a medical emergency,” stresses Nancy Natvig, RN, Director of Emergency Services at Copley Hospital. “When stroke symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 to quickly get the appropriate medical attention.”
When someone is having a stroke, the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. The effects of a stroke can range from mild to severe, and can include paralysis, problems thinking and speaking, and emotional problems.
Natvig explains that timing is critical for effective treatment. “The window of opportunity to start treating stroke patients is three hours,” she says. “Not three hours from the time the patient arrives at the hospital, but when symptoms begin.”
Natvig notes that the most common symptom of stroke is sudden weakness/numbness of the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body. Other symptoms include:
- sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- sudden severe headache with no known cause
She also shares that stroke can be painless with symptoms that pass quickly. And certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood press and heart disease can increase the risk of stroke. Natvig emphasizes, “Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own, call 9-1-1.”
Once in the Emergency Room, Natvig explains, there are a variety of steps a doctor quickly follows when diagnosing a stroke. The first step is reviewing your medical history. The doctor will ask about the symptoms you are currently experiencing or had experienced earlier. They’ll also ask about any recent illnesses, surgeries or other medical conditions you might have. A physical examination will be conducted and it will include neurological tests of your muscles and nerves. Throughout this period, the doctor will ask questions to check your memory, speech and thinking. Depending on the results of your evaluation, additional tests may be ordered and you may be referred to a Neurologist. Treatment started in the Emergency Room may also include medicine that dissolves the blood clot depending on your condition.
If you have suffered a stroke, or experienced stroke warning signs, it is important that you work with your family doctor to determine causes and the best course of treatment for you. That may include making lifestyle changes such as not smoking, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and losing weight to reduce risk factors.
Natvig notes bystanders noticing someone exhibiting stroke symptoms should call 9-1-1 as stroke victims have the best chance for recovery if someone around them acts quickly.
For more information on stroke, or any other illnesses, Copley Hospital’s Health Science Library is happy to assist with either on-line research or pamphlets. Copley Hospital’s Wellness Program also offers Diabetes Educators and a Dietician who can work one-on-one with you to help you reduce your risk factors. Both the Health Science Library and the Wellness Program can be reached by calling 888-8888.
Contact Information
Leah Hollenberger
Senior Director Development, Marketing and Public Relations
Copley Hospital
802-888-8301
lhollenberger@chsi.org
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