| |
When seconds count…what you should know about strokes
By Alex A. Kecskes
On average, a stroke takes the life of a loved one every three minutes, with seniors most vulnerable. The average age for a stroke is about 72 and many things that cause a stroke come with aging, such as hypertension or years of diabetes or smoking. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the most common cause of adult disability. What many people don't realize is that a stroke is a medical emergency and must be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack. High-risk individuals—seniors, obese, hypertensive, or previous stroke victims—should be acutely aware of the warning signs: sudden numbness, confusion, vision problems, dizziness and severe headache.
A brain starving for oxygen
Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation. During a stroke, brain tissue is literally starving for oxygen, so every minute counts. Stroke response teams must act swiftly to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, as well as attend to any breathing or other complications. Although there are ways to prevent stroke, there is no known treatment for stroke once it has caused permanent brain injury. All the more reason for swift action at the earliest onset of symptoms.
Lab tests and CT scans guide treatment options
Once a patient is stabilized, a stroke recovery team goes to work. Comprised of specialists from a wide rage of disciplines, they unite their talents and expertise to diagnose the injury and determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Lab tests and state-of-the-art imaging technology—like CT scanners—can help pinpoint the location, type, nature and extent of brain damage.
"Clot-busting" drugs and minimally invasive techniques
Based on their diagnosis, medical specialists may recommend neurointerventional treatments. These minimally invasive techniques use microcatheters to deliver clot-dissolving drugs, perform clot removal and administer other treatment to the tiny damaged vessels of the brain. A variety of other drugs are also being investigated for their potential to reverse damage to brain tissue caused by stroke, thus giving stroke victims greater chances for a faster and more complete recovery. The new techniques allow patients to leave the hospital sooner, recover faster and have a better chance of survival.
Rehabilitation is critical to recovery
After treatment, an acute rehabilitation unit may start a stroke patient on a managed plan of rehabilitation. Prompt rehabilitation is critical because patients with the highest risk for stroke are those who have already suffered one. Early rehabilitation also improves the chances of recovery. Stroke rehab options may include home therapy, adult day services, home outpatient therapy, and long-term care and therapy at a skilled nursing facility.
About the Author
Alex Kecskes is a former ad agency Copy Chief who has created effective copy and concepts for a wide range of ad agencies, Fortune 500 companies and startups. As owner of ak creativeworks, Alex provides brand names, as well as strategic copy for brochures, mailers, multimedia, articles, newsletters, PR and web content. He has published articles in a variety of publications about health, business and technology--this includes copy for over 130 different products and services. He has won such national awards as the Andy, Belding and One Show. For more information and samples, please visit: http://www.akcreativeworks.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/21717.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/21717.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Alex A. Kecskes | Learn to write ad copy
You've always wanted to learn ad copywriting, to make big money writing ads, radio and TV spots. Here are a few closely guarded secrets to successful ...
Comic-Con…it's not just about comic books
It's the ultimate. The extreme. The biggest event in the world if you're a sci-fi fantasy enthusiast, comic or video artist! It's the one and only Comic-Con in San Diego.
From ...
Meet Helen…your new online teacher
Stanley Kubrik's HAL 9000 may have been smart enough to run the spaceship Discovery, but HAL lacked one thing today's computers may soon have—a face. ...
Overweight and Overlooked
Americans by the millions are going on diets, running, stepping and crunching to work off those excess pounds. Unfortunately, there are many young to middle-aged adults whose health is being jeopardized ...
It's Not Funny Unless it Sells
We've all encountered humor in advertising. TV ads showing smart dogs fetching their owners a beer. Radio spots with aliens purifying our drinking water. Print ads with famous people wearing milk mustaches. Many use dry wit. Others ...
What's in a Name?
Product naming is a key aspect of branding. The name you ultimately choose will reflect who you are, your company's personality and ...
|
|
| |
