Have You Suffered From a Stroke? |
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In the central nervous system, the brain controls our movements, stores our memories, and is the source of our thoughts, emotions, and language. The brain also controls many functions of the body, like breathing and digestion. To work properly, the brain needs oxygen from the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the brain. If there is a blockage in the flow of blood, brain cells start to die within minutes because they can not get oxygen. This disruption causes a stroke which can lead to long term physical disabilities or be potentially life threatening. The aftermath of a stroke can also cause emotional and behavioral changes that impact one's mood and outlook. A stroke is a serious medical condition that requires emergency care. The campaign F.A.S.T. will be explored and further discussed in this article. This acronym entails a plan that can save you or a loved one. Ultimately, call 911 right away if you or someone you are with shows any signs of a stroke. |
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An evaluation is important for guiding the treatment of a stroke. At Neuro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, our physical therapists approach stroke patients by conducting a thorough assessment that includes taking health history, discussing the symptoms in detail, detecting associated risk factors, reviewing lab tests and x-rays, observing your ability to move, and conducting a hands on physical assessment. The goals of our physical therapists are to have the stroke patient relearn simple motor activities such as walking, sitting, standing, lying down, and the process of switching from one type of movement to another. Occupational therapy at NPTSM is another type of therapy to help patients relearn daily activities. By practicing rehabilitation activities, you can build up the connections that make your brain better at controlling your body, and let you do more things you want to do. This process we focus on at NPTSM is known as neuroplasticity. |
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During a stroke, every minute is crucial! Fast treatment can reduce the brain damage caused by a stroke. By identifying the signs and symptoms of stroke, you can take quick action and perhaps save a life — maybe even your own. Common warning signs include: |
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Act F.A.S.T. to Identify Stroke |
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Stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they do not arrive at the hospital in time. If you think someone is experiencing a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test: Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange? Time: Time counts! If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away. Note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers determine the best treatment for the individual. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call 911 for an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room. |
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6 Ways to Lower Your Risk for Stroke stroke.nih.gov |
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Manage Your Chronic Health Conditions |
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| | Treat High Blood Pressure Keeping your blood pressure under control is the most important thing you can do to avoid stroke. |
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| | Manage Diabetes Diabetes causes destructive changes in the blood vessels in the brain, increasing your risk for stroke. |
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| | Treat High Cholesterol Too much cholesterol in your blood can build up on artery walls, putting you at risk for stroke. |
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| | Quit Smoking Cigarette smoking can double your risk of stroke by damaging blood vessels or causing them to narrow and thicken. |
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| | Eat Right Diabetes causes destructive changes in the blood vessels in the brain, increasing your risk for stroke. |
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| | Exercise Regularly Too much cholesterol in your blood can build up on artery walls, putting you at risk for stroke. |
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