May is American Stroke Month

Stroke is a medical emergency that can happen anytime, anywhere. While risk of stroke increases with age, anyone can have a stroke. In the United States, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.

Almost 800,000 strokes occur nationwide each year. Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is stopped by a clot or damaged artery, and brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients.

Like many medical conditions, strokes are most treatable when recognized early. Everyone should know the signs of stroke. It’s so important to get medical help as quickly as possible. BE FAST is an easy way to remember:

B – Sudden BALANCE loss

E – Sudden EYESIGHT loss

F – FACE drooping

A – ARM weakness

S – SPEECH difficulty

T – TIME to call 911

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, is a sign of stroke. Confusion and sudden severe headache are other symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), patients who arrive at the emergency room within three hours of their first symptoms often have less disability three months after a stroke than those who delayed their care.

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center is a certified stroke center as designated by the DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification. This national recognition demonstrates the highest level of expertise to diagnose, treat and support stroke emergencies.

“This certification means that patients who experience an acute stroke or an acute vascular neurologic event, as well as their loved ones, can have the confidence that Avera McKennan is providing the region with the top level of sophistication and care for all forms of acute stroke management,” said William Rossing, MD, Medical Director of Avera’s stroke program.

Treatment may involve drug therapy such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) known as clot busters, or tenecteplase.

If indicated, Avera offers interventional neuroendovascular procedures that allow for a minimally invasive approach to neurovascular conditions including stroke. Via microcatheters, tiny equipment is navigated through blood vessels via an incision in the wrist or groin. At the site of the stroke, instruments are used to open an occluded critical vessel, repair an abnormality or retrieve the clot.

Avera offers a specialized neuro unit for stroke recovery as well as inpatient rehabilitation where a wide range of therapies are used to restore mobility, balance and cognitive function.

Prevention is the best medicine, and up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

People tend to think that stroke is something that happens to senior citizens. Yet the CDC reports that strokes are happening at younger ages, with an uptick in stroke hospitalizations among people ages 18-64 over the past 15 years. One reason is a corresponding increase in risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.

Other risk factors include diabetes, and heart and/or vascular disease. Smoking, high stress, a sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in processed foods also add to stroke risk.

Follow these health habits to lower your risk:

• Get your blood pressure checked, and make sure your blood pressure is under control, through diet, exercise and medications. Using a home blood pressure monitor can help you track your numbers carefully.
• Eat a healthy diet that’s low in fat and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables.
• Be active – 30 minutes of activity five days a week is what’s recommended, and it can be as simple as a daily walk.
• If you have diabetes, maintain good control and take medications as recommended.
• Manage any other chronic conditions carefully with your care team, including high cholesterol.
• Stop smoking or vaping.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

The best way to stay on top of risk factors and preventive measures is a yearly checkup with a primary care provider.