Tips for Stroke Prevention and Treatment

Stroke can occur to anyone, at any time and at any place. However, Nurse Practitioner Brandy Magee, MSN, APRN, FNP-C explains how some summertime habits and rituals can increase the risk of stroke and also make you less likely to recognize stroke symptoms. Also, education and awareness are essential for effective stroke prevention and treatment.

The first step is to learn stroke symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

“Unfortunately, some people shrug off stroke symptoms because they mistakenly think it’s a temporary problem, such as the typical numbness associated with your arm ‘falling asleep,’ or that the weakness or headache they have is caused by something else,” explains Magee. “This can have detrimental long-term effects, which is why it’s always best to seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms.”

Every second of delay in receiving stroke care and treatment destroys one billion brain cells, which increases the risk of not only death but also of permanent damage and disability. Clot-busting medications also have to be administered within a short timeframe after the onset of a stroke. If any stroke symptoms are present, don’t delay! Dial 911 immediately! It’s always better to call 911 than to have a friend or family member drive you to the hospital because EMS can start treatment while en route to the hospital and emergency department teams are notified that a stroke patient is en route.

In addition to seeking immediate emergency medical attention, Dr. Multani and Magee say it’s equally important that stroke patients go to their follow-up appointments with their primary care physicians, cardiologists, neurologists, etc., because they can help prevent additional strokes from happening.

When it comes to stroke prevention diet and medication compliance are key. Most people spend more time at barbecues and other outdoor events and activities during the summer many of which can include increased alcohol consumption and sodium intake from foods such as hot dogs and potato chips. Alcohol consumption can make it difficult to recognize stroke symptoms since they mirror those associated with intoxication. Alcohol and increased sodium intake, along with the summer heat, can lead to dehydration, which increases risk of stroke.

Dr. Multani says it’s also a good idea to keep a close eye on the amount of carbohydrates you eat since they drive up blood sugar, which can increase stroke risk. “As a reminder, diabetic patients need to be especially mindful of their carbohydrate intake since they’re twice as likely to have a stroke compared to someone without diabetes.”

Taking prescribed medication is critical for stroke prevention and treatment, but some people don’t stick with it, especially in the summer. “You need to make sure you take enough medication with you on vacation and that you get your prescriptions filled ahead of time,” says Magee. This is particularly important if you’re taking antiplatelet medications, blood pressure and cholesterol medications, and/or blood thinners such as Coumadin. “Missing even a single dose of Coumadin significantly increases the likelihood of stroke,” adds Dr. Multani.

In summary, to lower your risk of stroke:

• When consuming alcohol and other carbohydrates and high-sodium foods, do so in moderation.
• Increase your water intake, especially when spending time outside in the sun and higher temperatures.
• Make sure you always have your medications available and take them as prescribed.

Bayhealth Milford Memorial and Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. This means both hospitals have met and seek to maintain The Joint Commission’s high standards in providing stroke care. Visit Bayhealth.org/Stroke to learn more.