Thursday 7 January 2010

Early Treatment is Key When Dealing With a Stroke - Watch Out For These Stroke Symptoms

Each year 700,000 people suffer from a stroke. The leading cause of long term disabilities in the U.S. they are also the 3rd in leading cause of death lagging just behind heart disease and cancer. Early treatment of stroke can help minimize damage to the brain and improve the patient's prognosis. Every minute counts so getting to the hospital is imperative for early treatment. Being aware of the warning signs is one way to get help fast if you or someone you love has one.

If you develop one or more of these warnings signs call 911 immediately - do not wait to see if they last. Getting to a hospital fast is the best treatment.

Sudden loss of balance or coordination - trouble walking, dizziness.

Sudden trouble speaking - confusion, slurred speech. May not be able to come up with the words to describe what's happening.

Sudden vision trouble - blurred, blackened or double vision in one or both eyes.

Sudden severe headache - may be accompanied by a stiff neck, facial pain, pain between your eyes.

Sudden numbness or paralysis on one side of your body - especially the face, arm and leg.

If you or someone you know has one or more of these symptoms you need to act fast. Stroke damage occurs when the blood flow is cut off from the brain. The longer you wait for treatment the greater the damage. Immediate treatment can save lives and improve the chances for successful recovery.

The window of opportunity to start treating stroke patients is three hours, but to be evaluated and receive treatment, patients need to get to the hospital within 60 minutes. To aid in treatment you will be asked how long ago the symptoms occurred. So try to remember to take note of when did the first warning sign or symptom began?

About The Author: As a working mother of the author likes to stay on top of health issues. Much of her research is developed into helpful web sites. Take a minute to check out her latest about back acne treatment and acne care skin products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Holly_Dodd