Medical Monday - Strokes
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) - Strokes are a leading cause of disability and death in the U.S., but early detection and treatment can make all the difference. In this week’s Medical Monday, we take a closer look at what causes strokes, what symptoms to watch for, and how they’re treated.
“A stroke happens when you stop getting blood flow to a certain part of your brain. It’s usually caused by a clot or some other blockage.”
Dr. Justin White of Northern Light AR Gould says these clots can form in different ways - whether from the heart, the neck, or the brain itself.
“They can come from the heart, so if you have a condition like atrial fibrillation or just by virtue of getting older and having issues with cholesterol.”
Recognizing the symptoms early can save lives. The acronym BE FAST can help:
“B—balance, E—eye issues, F—facial drooping, A—arm or leg weakness, S—speech difficulty, and T—time. Getting to the hospital as fast as possible.”
When a stroke is suspected, every minute counts.
“Ideally, we’d like to see people get to the hospital within three hours of the initial symptom onset. I always say the sooner you can get into the hospital, the better.”
Treatment options depend on how quickly a patient gets to the hospital.
“The treatments we have... would be clot-busting drugs... Beyond that, there are specialized interventions where a catheter can be put up and a clot can be sucked out.”
Post-stroke care varies widely, depending on severity.
“Some strokes aren’t really debilitating at all... others may require therapy or even long-term care in a nursing home.”
And while immediate treatment is critical, Dr. White says prevention plays a huge role as maintaining healthy habits like diet and exercise can help lower your risk of having a stroke in the first place.
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