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Author:
Alex A. Kecskes

On average, a stroke takes the life of a loved one every three minutes, with seniors most vulnerable. The average age for a stroke is about 72 and many things that cause a stroke come with aging, such as hypertension or years of diabetes or smoking. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the most common cause of adult disability. What many people don't realize is that a stroke is a medical emergency and must be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack. High-risk individuals--seniors, obese, hypertensive, or previous stroke victims--should be acutely aware of the warning signs: sudden numbness, confusion, vision problems, dizziness and severe headache.

A brain starving for oxygen

Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation. During a stroke, brain tissue is literally starving for oxygen, so every minute counts. Stroke response teams must act swiftly to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, as well as attend to any breathing or other complications. Although there are ways to prevent stroke, there is no known treatment for stroke once it has caused permanent brain injury. All the more reason for swift action at the earliest onset of symptoms.

Lab tests and CT scans guide treatment options

Once a patient is stabilized, a stroke recovery team goes to work. Comprised of specialists from a wide rage of disciplines, they unite their talents and expertise to diagnose the injury and determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Lab tests and state-of-the-art imaging technology--like CT scanners--can help pinpoint the location, type, nature and extent of brain damage.

"Clot-busting" drugs and minimally invasive techniques

Based on their diagnosis, medical specialists may recommend neurointerventional treatments. These minimally invasive techniques use microcatheters to deliver clot-dissolving drugs, perform clot removal and administer other treatment to the tiny damaged vessels of the brain. A variety of other drugs are also being investigated for their potential to reverse damage to brain tissue caused by stroke, thus giving stroke victims greater chances for a faster and more complete recovery. The new techniques allow patients to leave the hospital sooner, recover faster and have a better chance of survival.

Rehabilitation is critical to recovery

After treatment, an acute rehabilitation unit may start a stroke patient on a managed plan of rehabilitation. Prompt rehabilitation is critical because patients with the highest risk for stroke are those who have already suffered one. Early rehabilitation also improves the chances of recovery. Stroke rehab options may include home therapy, adult day services, home outpatient therapy, and long-term care and therapy at a skilled nursing facility.

About the author:

Alex Kecskes is a former ad agency Copy Chief who provides a full range of copywriting services to agencies and Fortune 500 companies. He has created effective copy for brochures, mailers, multimedia, articles, newsletters, PR and web content. For samples and more information, please visit: http://www.akcreativework s.com

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Stroke Report... Stroke Rehab In the U.S. around 70,000 people suffer a Stroke each year. Rehab is crucial to help the victims of Strokes cope with the effects of a Stroke and recover to a normal and healthy life. How well a patient recovers from a Stroke depends on many factors. Minimizing brain damage during the Stroke will make Rehab faster and more effective. Rehab cannot cure the Stroke but can help in long-term recovery of the aftereffects of brain damage. The first step would be to diagnose a Stroke. A number of tests may be done on the patient to diagnose the type of Stroke so that the professionals can determine a treatment and Rehab plan. This includes blood pressure, blood sampling, X-ray, E.C.G., Echocardiogram, brain scans such as MRI and CT scans, and Carotid Ultrasound scanning. After the diagnosis the medical treatment begins. During a Stroke brain tissue is damaged by blood clots (ischemic Stroke) and /or internal bleeding (hemorrhagic Stroke). Various drug treatments must be started immediately to treat this condition. If used soon enough, they can help prevent damage to the brain. These include-Anti-platelet drugs, such as aspirin, to prevent clotting, anti-coagulant drugs, cholesterol lowering drugs, and antihypertensive drugs. Some patients may go in for surgical procedures like stenting to clear the clogs and reduce the intensity of the Stroke. Rehabilitation therapy begins in the emergency care hospital within 24-48 hours after the Stroke, once the patient has stabilized. Rehabilitation of Stroke victims is a difficult and time-consuming task. It helps the Stroke survivors to relearn skills that are lost by brain damage during the Stroke. It also teaches new skills to make up for any disabilities and to practice and relearn communication, memory, and vocational and...