Becky’s (not her real name) story isn’t a typical one, but it is indicative of how very personal each individual’s experience is with stroke.  For her, it all started one afternoon as she was preparing for dinner.

“I was standing at the kitchen counter cutting up vegetables and I had a migraine,” said Becky, a 46-year-old mother of two. “I took my migraine medication and lay down for a nap.  When I woke up two hours later the headache was still there and, as directed, I took another dose of my medication and went back to sleep.”

This time when she awoke something was terribly wrong.

“I had left-sided numbness.  I couldn’t bear any weight and I couldn’t even lift my left arm.  I totally lost my peripheral vision and my speech was going,” said Becky, “I knew something wasn’t right.”

She asked her husband to take her to the emergency room. At first, doctors thought it could be a complex migraine.  But, after a series of tests, they discovered she was having a stroke. 

A stroke happens when an artery in the brain becomes obstructed.  Usually this happens because of a blood clot.  But, in Becky’s situation, it was her migraine medication that caused her blood vessel to constrict. No matter the cause, getting to the hospital quickly is crucial. Medicine may help as long as the person suffering from the stroke gets to the hospital and receives treatment within three hours of the first symptoms.

“If you feel there’s a possibility of a stroke, get to the hospital immediately.  You could be wrong, but it’s better to be wrong at the hospital than at home with a stroke,” said Dr. Edward Bueno, M.D., of Baraboo.

The signs and symptoms of a stroke aren’t always the same.  In Becky’s case it was a mild numbness that gradually got worse, affecting the left side of her body.  However, a stroke is usually signaled by a sudden onset of weakness in the face, arms or legs, often on one side of the body.  It can also cause confusion, trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, or difficulty walking.

At the hospital, a variety of tests allow doctors to determine how serious a patient’s stroke symptoms are. This evaluation typically includes a CT scan to see what is happening in the brain. Information from the tests and the patient’s medical history help the doctors decide on the best method of treatment. 

In certain cases, depending on timing and other factors, doctors may consider a treatment called thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytics can be used to quickly dissolve blood clots and prevent some of the disabling effects of stroke. But the medication is not recommended for every patient suffering from stroke symptoms, and specific conditions must be met before medical professionals can safely implement the treatment.

“There are a number of criteria for the employment of thrombolytics, and they need to be followed closely,” says Dr. Bueno. “One of the most important is that you need to have a CT scan that demonstrates there’s no bleeding in the brain.” Known as a hemorrhagic stroke, bleeding in the brain may only be worsened by the thrombolytic therapy.

The therapy must also be given within three hours of the onset of the stroke symptoms for it to be beneficial. This means that the patient must have a clear idea of when they began feeling the symptoms, and they have to get to the hospital quickly so the doctors have enough time to complete their analysis before the therapy ceases to be an option.

“Sometimes the symptoms improve,” said Dr. Bueno, “and that may depend on how soon someone gets to the hospital.”

In the U.S., about 700,000 people will be diagnosed with stroke this year.  Of that number, 162,000 will die as a result.  The National Stroke Association says that African Americans have almost double the risk of stroke and a higher death rate.  This is due in part to African Americans’ tendency to have more risk factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and a greater prevalence of smoking.

Even if a stroke is caught in time, it doesn’t guarantee there will not be long-term effects.  In 50-70 percent of cases, survivors are able to lead a normal life.  However, up to 30 percent of people die or are permanently disabled.

Recovery has been no easy ride for Becky.  For her, it’s been months of rehabilitation.  She returned to work in late April this year after having her stroke in October.  This was an accomplishment, as immediately following the stroke, she was told she might never regain her full motion or be able to do all the things she once did.

She cries with relief now when she thinks of how far she’s come since then.  Every day a little more progress is being made.

“The key is getting to the hospital any time you feel the symptoms of a stroke,” said Becky. “It’s much better to be safe than sorry.”

Breakout: Stroke Stats

·      One person has a stroke in the U.S. every 45 seconds

·      Stroke is the number three killer in U.S.

·      Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability

·      14% of people who survive a stroke have another within a year

Breakout: Risk Reduction

• Watch your blood pressure
• Quit smoking
• Watch your weight
• Exercise 30 minutes a day almost every day of the week
• Keep diabetes under control

Breakout: Stroke Prevention

• Talk to your doctor to see if you’re at risk
• Control your risk factors
• Recognize the warning signs: numbness, trouble speaking or walking, difficulty seeing, or a sudden headache
• Go to the hospital at the first signs of a stroke

Breakout: What is a TIA?

TIA stands for transient ischemic attack. It’s also known as a “mini” stroke or a warning stroke.  In a TIA, there is a temporary obstruction in a blood vessel which produces the typical warning signs of a stroke.  Unlike a stroke, however, the obstruction does not remain in place and blood flow returns.  While this may seem like a good thing, TIAs are often the red flags for a major stroke and those with these symptoms (slight numbness, slurred speech, difficulty seeing and a prolonged headache) should seek medical attention.

Breakout: Go to the Hospital if You Have:

• Sudden numbness in your face, leg, arm or one side of your body
• Trouble speaking, understanding or are confused
• Difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes
• Trouble walking
• A sudden, severe headache without a known cause