Stroke: Every Minute Counts to Save the Brain
Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in adults
Dr. Catherine Vidal
Vascular Neurologist
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted (ischemic stroke, 85% of cases) or when a blood vessel ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke). Every minute without treatment, 1.9 million neurons are destroyed. In France, a stroke occurs every 4 minutes.
Recognize the signs: FAST
F as in Face drooping, A as in Arm weakness, S as in Speech difficulty, T as in Time to call 911 (15 in France). Other possible signs: sudden loss of vision, sudden unusual severe headache, intense dizziness with loss of balance.
Emergency management
Thrombolysis (clot dissolution) must be administered within 4.5 hours of the first symptoms. Mechanical thrombectomy (clot removal by catheter) can be performed up to 24 hours in some cases. The faster the treatment, the better the chances of recovery.
Prevention
High blood pressure is the number one risk factor (present in 80% of strokes). Blood pressure control, smoking cessation, physical activity, alcohol limitation, and treatment of atrial fibrillation significantly reduce the risk.
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