Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. That’s almost 800,000 people a year, and of these, almost 140,000 die. Stroke is also a leading cause of serious long-term disability. For example, half of stroke survivors age 65 and older suffer reduced mobility. Yet having a stroke is not limited to the elderly. In fact, 38 percent of people who are hospitalized with a stroke are under age 65, and Randy Travis suffered his stroke when he was 54.
A stroke occurs when the brain doesn’t receive the blood and oxygen it needs. 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked. The other 13 percent are caused by a burst blood vessel, called a hemorrhagic stroke.
Time is precious when someone is having a stroke. Almost two million brain cells die every minute once a stroke begins. Receiving emergency care as fast as possible can make all the difference.
The First Minute
Strokes happen fast. In just a few seconds, a person can go from feeling perfectly normal to slurring his words or being unable to move an arm. At this point, knowing the signs of a stroke is critical. Use the FAST warning signs to check yourself or someone else.
Face: Ask the person to smile to see if one side of the face droops.
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drop down?
Speech: Check for slurred or strange speech.
Time: If the answer to any of these is “Yes,” call 911 immediately. Here’s why.
The Golden Hour
Stroke patients have a much greater chance of surviving and avoiding long-term brain damage if they receive treatment within the first hour. Time lost is brain lost. With each hour that passes, the brain loses as many neurons as 3.6 years of normal aging.
When the Ambulance Arrives
Emergency personnel will quickly check to make sure the patient is breathing and has a pulse. They will also use the FAST warning signs to check for a stroke. They also might check the patient’s blood sugar level. If there are any signs of a stroke, the patient will be rushed to the nearest hospital, where the ER team will be standing by.
At the Hospital
The stroke team jumps into action. Staff will ask the patient’s loved ones about his or her symptoms and medical history. A CT Scan may be given to tell what kind of stroke is occurring. Blood tests are performed. Most importantly, if needed, the clot-dissolving drug tPA will be administered. All performed with great speed and efficiency. Because during a stroke, time is everything.
Sources: CDC, American Stroke Association