A simple guide to understanding strokes

Although stroke remains the fourth leading cause of death in Canada, many new drugs, devices and therapies are being developed to boost survival rates and improve the quality of life for victims:

A stroke occurs when oxygen-rich blood is suddenly unavailable to your brain. Blockages, usually clots, inside the tiny arteries in the brain cause ischemic strokes. There are two types.

• When the clot forms in or near the brain in an artery narrowed by the buildup of cholesterol and other fatty substances, it’s called a cerebral thrombosis; when it forms in another part of the body, travels to the brain and gets lodged there, it’s known as a cerebral embolism.
• Ischemic strokes are treated very differently than hemorrhagic strokes, in which a vessel bursts open, allowing blood to seep into the brain itself. While they are often more deadly, hemorrhagic strokes are also far less common.
• Whatever the cause of the stroke, once deprived of their blood supply, brain cells die. And those parts of the body controlled by the part of the brain affected by the stroke no longer function — often temporarily, but sometimes permanently.
• Common results of a serious stroke include weakness, paralysis, numbness, problems understanding and speaking, and emotional difficulties. Because such damage can cause major disabilities, just getting through the day can become challenging.
• Strokes tend to affect only one side of the brain. If it’s the side that controls speech, your ability to speak may be impaired, even though your thoughts and emotions remain intact. If the stroke occurs in the part of your brain that controls movement, muscle activity on the other side of your body may suffer.

• At the first signs of a stroke, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
• For a clot-related stroke, take medication to dissolve the clot.
• Once stabilized, close monitoring in an intensive care unit for 24 to 48 hours is required.
• Post-stroke rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech) can help restore lost functions.

• Inspect your local hospital. If you've had a stroke, you're at high risk for another. Familiarize yourself with services nearby.
• Make your family stroke savvy. Do they know the major signs of stroke, and when to call 911? Key alerts: one-sided weakness or numbness, vision loss, sudden balance problems, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache.
• Review the rehab team’s resumresumé. You want pros with extensive experience in treating strokes — as well as a hefty dose of patience and perseverance. An inspiring cheer-leading squad is key.
• Do a medications check. Certain drugs can interfere with your recovery, so bring all your medicine bottles in for the doctor to review. Common culprits: anticon­vulsants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications and blood pressure drugs.
• Try biofeedback. Physical therapy combined with biofeedback techniques has helped some stroke sufferers reorient themselves to sensations in their body. If you have difficulty swallowing, for example, biofeedback training of key muscles may accelerate your ability to relearn this action. Working with the wrists and fingers shows similar promise.
• Seek support, be it from family, friends or an outside group. A stroke generates unique stresses, from dependence on others to mood changes. You should never try to deal with these problems alone.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has the latest information on treatment and prevention, and can put you in touch with support groups across the country (613-569-4361 or www.heartandstroke.ca).

The Canadian Stroke Network publishes a newsletter covering breaking research in the field of heart disease and stroke. To subscribe, call 613-562-5800 or download a copy online at www.canadianstrokenetwork.ca.

A stroke can be a very occurrence, and the effects can be debilitating. Talk to your doctor about ways you can reduce your risk of having a stroke.