What is a Stroke?
Diagnosis & Evaluation
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability. However, research shows the public remains unaware of stroke's warning signs and the need for immediate medical attention, even if the symptoms subside. Call 9-1-1! Don't wait. Call 9-1-1! If you see even just one of these symptoms, even if it goes away, do not wait, call 9-1-1 immediately, this person may be having a stroke.
A stroke is damage to part of the brain when its blood supply is suddenly reduced or stopped. A stroke may also be called a cerebral vascular accident, or CVA. The part of the brain deprived of blood dies and can no longer function. Blood is prevented from reaching brain tissue when a blood vessel leading to the brain becomes blocked (ischemic) or bursts (hemorrhagic).
The physician must be able to quickly determine whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, before the appropriate therapy can begin. The ability to pinpoint quickly the location of a stroke and determine the extent of damage is critical in making treatment decisions during a stroke emergency.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
This is generally the first diagnostic test done after a patient with a suspected stroke arrives in the emergency room. It is used to quickly distinguish between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The test involves the use of low-dose X-rays to visualize the brain.
Stroke Collaborative
The Stroke Collaborative is a joint campaign of the American Academy of Neurology, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association to encourage Americans to recognize stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1, and get to the emergency department. What you need to know http://www.giveme5forstroke.org/
For more information about stroke care at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital,
please call (530) 274-6771.
