Time Lost is Brain Loss. 

Cerebral hemorrhage (stroke) death rates in the U.S. are decreasing due to public awareness. However, it is the leading cause of brain disability secondary to Alzheimer’s.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.. It interrupts blood to the brain. Twenty five percent of people who have had a stroke die within the year of having their first stroke. It slows blood supply to the brain and impairs movement, perception, speech, and consciousness.

Typical signs include sudden severe headache, weakness, numbness, blurred vision, difficulty walking, talking, dizziness, and slurred speech. 

A third of strokes are caused by blockage of blood to the brain, known as ischemic stroke. It is triggered by either a thrombus (a stationary blood clot) or embolus (a clot that lodged in a blood vessel). 

A related disorder is TIA (transient ischemic attack). This condition causes numbness or weakness on one side of the body, garbled speech, blurred vision in one eye, dizziness, and unsteadiness.

TIA symptoms persist fifteen minutes or less. However, TIA requires prompt treatment and oxygen to prevent permanent brain injury. Treatment delay could cause irreversible brain damage.

Another type of stroke is “cerebral hemorrhage,” or bleeding in the brain. This occurs when a brain aneurysm (weakness of a brain artery) leaks or ruptures. Blood flowing into the brain elevates pressure in the skull. This leads to excruciating headache with loss of consciousness. Brain cells are damaged. 

People who have survived a stroke are vulnerable to other health conditions, including pneumonia and depression. However, many stroke patients recover. 

A special type of cell, “stem cell,” can be injected into the affected brain regions to boost brain recovery and regulate the repair process. This procedure involves drilling a hole in the skull at the target area. A needle is used to inject stem cells around the damaged brain tissue.

Another injectable drug prescribed for stroke is Alteplase (tPA). It is administered within several hours of stroke. Bleeding in the brain is a potential side effect.

Stroke patients who need tPA must receive it within an hour of arriving at the hospital. Less than one-third of patients receive it in that timeframe. Probability of stroke recovery depends on the extent and location of brain damage.

Source: Stroke Guide
 Sign at Psychiatrist's office:  "Amnesia patients must pay in advance."
 
For questions for comments, contact Dr. Clem at clementhanson.blogspot.com