Director, Emergency Services, Bikur Cholim Hospital
I was asked to write about stroke again. This is such an
important topic, and has been in the news with the prime
minister's recent stroke. Chest pain has been in news for a
long time, and most people know that chest pains or pressures
must receive medical attention. But stroke received less
attention, because we didn't have much that helped. Now
things are changing.
Both chest pain and stroke symptoms (numbness in part of the
body, paralysis, trouble in speaking, facial drooping,
problems in walking or severe dizziness) are forerunners of
more serious problems. Chest pain that goes away may be a
sign of a risk of heart attack, and stroke symptoms that go
away may be a sign of risk of stroke. People who are at risk
for heart attack can receive medications that help prevent a
heart attack, of which the best is aspirin. Aspirin is also
the only drug that works to prevent a stroke.
People with risk of heart attack can have a study of their
heart arteries and have them cleaned out. Stroke high-risk
patient can have their arteries checked by ultrasound, and
sometimes there can be a cleaning out of them as well.
People suffering an acute heart attack get an EKG; if it is
positive, they go to a catheterization lab and have the
blockage opened. In stroke, they get a CT scan of the head,
and the artery can sometimes be opened. People at risk for
heart attack often have diabetes, high blood pressure,
smoking or cholesterol problems. Stroke has same risk
factors.
This is where the similarity ends. Stroke patients have less
time to get to the emergency department for care before it is
too late. So if it happens, get there fast.
Also, the technology is younger, and there are more risks.
But at least one thing we know: stroke units with people
dedicated to care and therapy of strokes are the best way to
go. Also if you have atrial fibrillation, this is also a risk
for stroke, but not heart attack.
In short, if any warning symptoms of stroke occur, go to the
emergency department immediately. This will greatly reduce
any residual disability. And do not forget to exercise.
Write me in care of the Yated.
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