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neurology Stroke Awareness Reduce Your Risk of a Stroke | E veryone knows that when you have the symptoms of a heart attack, you should seek emergency treatment right away. But do you know that a stroke is every bit as much an emergency? A stroke could just as well be called a brain attack. Just like in a heart attack, a stroke is caused when blood flow is cut off, causing cells to die. In this case, it is nerve cells in the brain that may control speech or motor functions to the arms or legs. Strokes can be caused when blood vessels are blocked or when a blood vessel ruptures. Today there are treatments that may reduce the risk of damage from the most common type of stroke, but only if you get help quickly. Learn the warning signs of stroke, and act quickly. Time lost is brain lost! There is also much you can do to prevent stroke. Living a healthy lifestyle and controlling risk factors cuts your risk dramatically. You may need your doctor's help to control some risk factors. Risk factors you can change or treat: High blood pressure – This is the single most important by donnie byers risk factor for stroke. If your doctor has prescribed medicine to control your high blood pressure, make sure you take it as directed. Tobacco use – If you smoke or use tobacco products, stop. If you have trouble quitting, talk to your doctor. Diabetes – Diabetes can cause disease of blood vessels in the brain, which can increase your risk of stroke. Work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar under good control. Carotid or other artery disease – The carotid arteries in your neck supply most of the blood to your brain. A carotid artery damaged by fatty build-up of plaque inside the artery wall may become blocked by a blood clot, causing a stroke. TIAs – Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are "mini strokes" that produce symptoms of stroke that usually last only a few minutes. Approximately 15 percent of strokes are preceded by TIAs, so don't ignore a TIA. Call 9-1-1 or seek emergency medical attention immediately! Atrial fibrillation – In atrial fibrillation the heart's upper chambers quiver rather than beating effectively. This causes blood to pool and clot, increasing the risk of stroke. Certain blood disorders like sickle cell – Sickle cell disease increases stroke risk because the "sickled" red blood 2013 Medical & Dental Directory | 19

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