May is National Stroke Awareness Month

Much of our attention today is focused on the coronavirus pandemic. However, it’s important to remember that other significant health issues continue, too, including the incidence of stroke.

Stroke is the death of brain tissue that occurs when there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain. This may be due to a blockage or narrowing in a blood vessels (ischemic stroke) or from the burst of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke) that supplies the brain.

Know the symptoms

“FAST” is the acronym used to identify common stroke symptoms:

 F (Face): Ask the person smile. Does one side droop?

A (Arms): Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?

S (Speech): Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the language slurred or strange?

T (Time): If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Other associated symptoms include sudden loss of balance, or vision loss in one or both eyes. A sudden severe headache with no known cause may occur in the type of stroke when a blood vessel bursts.

The importance of speedy treatment

Stroke treatment begins when Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives. An assessment is completed on the scene, treatment initiated, and the hospital will be notified in advance of your arrival. At Saint Anne’s Hospital, this includes the use of a technology called Twiage, which enables EMS to communicate important information, such as EKG results and even photos, to the hospital in advance. When you arrive at the hospital, the team is expecting you. Assessment and treatment continue. This includes a brain scan to help identify what type of stroke you may be experiencing (non-bleeding/ischemic or bleeding/hemorrhagic).

Early recognition and treatment of stroke improves the chance for recovery. As soon as a stroke is recognized, it is important to call 9-1-1. Treatment options for ischemic/non-bleeding stroke may include the administration of medication that will dissolve a blood clot or the performance of a procedure to remove the blood clot. For bleeding/hemorrhagic stroke surgery may be indicated.

Don’t hesitate to seek emergency care

At present, during the coronavirus pandemic, hospitals across the nation are seeing a decrease in the number of people coming to hospital emergency rooms for any type of treatment. This is concerning for suspected stroke patients, as the treatment is time-sensitive. Early recognition and early treatment improve the chance for recovery.

If you suspect you are having a stroke, do not be afraid to come to the hospital. Procedures are in place to screen all patients for coronavirus and initiate the appropriate treatment. You have only one brain. If you recognize any stroke symptoms, seek early treatment.

Lisa DeMello, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Stroke Coordinator at Saint Anne’s Hospital.