What is a BRAIN ATTACK?

What is a BRAIN ATTACK?
A sudden loss of blood flow to the brain known as ischemic stroke, or bleeding inside the head known as hemorrhagic stroke, is a BRAIN ATTACK! This is a medical emergency and anyone suffering from symptoms of stroke MUST be seen in an emergency department immediately!  There are certain medications for stroke that must be used within the first 3 hours from the beginning of symptoms.  This means immediate emergency department visit is critical.

Who should be aware of stroke warning signs?
Everyone and everyone should be aware of stroke warning signs. Being able to recognize these symptoms may save a life. Stroke can strike anyone, anywhere. Early recognition of symptoms and earliest possible emergency department consult is vital.

What are the stroke warning signs?
Stroke warning signs include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one part of the body
• Sudden confusion
• Trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

What are the stroke risk factors?
There are non-modifiable risk for stroke such as sex, age and heredity. However, there are likewise modifiable risk factors that can be addressed or avoided to have less chances of having a stroke.

These are:

• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Obesity
• Physical Inactivity
• High blood pressure
• High levels of cholesterol
• Diabetes mellitus
• Heart disease (heart attack, valvular heart disease,  atrial fibrillation,  carotid and intracranial stenosis, peripheral arterial disease)

What is expected to be done once a stroke patient is seen at the The Medical City-Emergency Department?
The emergency room physician will alert the brain attack team. The team is composed of the neurologist, the neurology resident on duty, a NIHSS certified stroke nurse and if deemed necessary, an interventional neurosurgeon.   
They will take a brief but detailed history, a complete neurological examination and administer the NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale). Diagnostic and laboratory examination that maybe requested would include:

• CT scan of the head-to visualize if there is any bleeding inside the head
• Blood examination  known as the stroke profile- to screen for any modification risk factors

Should a stroke be confirmed or highly entertained, the patient maybe admitted at the acute stroke unit or the neurology intensive care unit which is capably manned by stroke nurses.

What are the treatments for stroke?
Immediate medical care is critical for the person who is having a stroke or brain attack. New treatment work only if given within a few hours after the onset of symptoms. The neurologist will offer these options if he/she see that the stroke is amenable to these.

How can we prevent a stroke?
The following can help prevent a stroke:

• Having regular medical check-up
• Controlling high blood pressure
• Stop smoking
• Treating heart disease, especially an irregular heart beat called atrial fibrillation
• Improving diet: avoid excess fat, salt and alcohol
• Controlling diabetes
• Seeking immediate medical attention for warning signs and stroke

Reference:
www.aan.com; Stroke Society of the Philippines Guidelines

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help. 

The Medical City offers a roster of competent neurologists who may assess and treat people
with different types of stroke:

DEPARTMENT OF NEUROLOGY
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6269

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444