RN Advice: Stroke – Is it Just for the Old?

As I was contemplating the topic of my article this month, I learned that a dear former (young) co-worker was admitted to the hospital for stroke symptoms. Wow is all I could say. How could this be? Even I associate this disease with old people! Then I remembered a conversation earlier in the month from another acquaintance who suffered a stroke in her 30’s. Here were 2 seemingly healthy YOUNG women who experienced a potentially life altering event. Do you know what causes strokes and could you recognize the symptoms in you?

Strokes occur because of a disruption of blood to the brain. This can be either from a clot obstructing the blood flow (most common) or a bleed causing lack of blood flow. This then causes a lack of oxygen to the brain resulting in the following symptoms:

• SUDDEN numbness or weakness of 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.

The risk factors for having a stroke include:

• High blood pressure, or hypertension
• Cigarette smoking
• Heart disease
• Warning signs or history of TIA or stroke
• Diabetes
• Cholesterol imbalance
• Obesity

Removing the body’s inflammation by removing the foods that cause these diseases as well as exercise, adequate rest and stress management will reduce the risk of developing this debilitating sometimes deadly event. If you suspect someone or yourself has any of the above symptoms, it is important to act FAST. Time is of the essence to preventing long term injury to the brain.