Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. When considering risk factors for any disease, the approach of most people is to lower their risk of death, but stroke offers a whole host of other maladies to take into consideration. Granted a person survives their stroke, they are at a 90% chance of suffering permanent disability – often of which, is quite frightening. One of the most common side effects of a stroke is Aphasia – the condition in which a survivor is unable to communicate at no loss to their former intelligence. The condition is looked at in many ways, as being stuck inside of one’s body.
A recent article published by the Washington Post, in light of Stroke Awareness Month, details a Brain Stem Stroke Survivor’s feeling of ‘being trapped inside’ of her body post stroke. She endured a long and daunting road to recovery and suffered from a paralyzing condition called ‘Locked-in Syndrome,’ in which, she was fully aware of her surroundings but completely paralyzed and unable to communicate.
‘Locked-in Syndrome’ is just another after effect of stroke to consider in this month dedicated to raising awareness. To read the article on Alfaro and her experience with ‘Locked-in Syndrome’, click on the link below. Another aspect of Alfaro’s story to take into account is that she was just 32 when she experienced the stroke that left her temporarily paralyzed.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/%E2%80%98i-was-still-in-there%E2%80%99-a-32-year-old-learns-what-it%E2%80%99s-like-to-be-trapped-inside-her-own-body/ar-BBswF4i?li=BBnbfcL
Stroke warning signs:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
- Facial drooping limited to one side of the face
Get to the Hospital within 3 hours and as soon as possible by calling 911 if any of these signs are noticed. 3 hours is the Goldilocks window to save yourself or another person from permanent brain damage or death in the event of a stroke.
Also, consider the core 4 risk factors of stroke:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes/Obesity
- Heart Disease
- Depression