Stroke
Know the Signs of a Stroke in Texas
No one wants to think about the fallout of having a stroke. However, strokes are all too common in adults in the United States. In fact, stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, and nearly 160,000 people die from complications associated with a stroke per year. While these statistics are scary, it's incredibly important to be proactive about stroke prevention and treatment. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, don't hesitate to visit Exceptional Emergency Center. We specialize in the treatment of several types of stroke and preventative strategies. Get in touch with our team at our numerous Texas locations should any questions arise.
Identifying the Different Types of Stroke
We often use “stroke” as a catch-all term for a wide variety of conditions. In general, someone who is having a stroke has interrupted blood flow to the brain, causing brain cells to die off. However, there are several different types of stroke. Here’s a brief overview of the most common kinds:
· Hemorrhagic Stroke: This condition indicates that a blood vessel has ruptured, and blood is spreading to the tissue. Usually, this is the result of high blood pressure.
· Thrombotic Stroke: Typically found in elderly people, a blood clot in the arteries causes thrombotic strokes. Sometimes, thrombotic strokes follow a series of mini-strokes.
· Embolic Stroke: In most cases of embolic stroke, they are caused by a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream until it reaches the brain.
· Diabetic Stroke: A result of diabetes, these strokes must be addressed within three hours of the first symptom since mortality rate is much higher for this stroke-type.
· Cerebellar Stroke: This type is less common but causes a complete interruption in blood flow to the cerebellum, often effecting only one side or section.
· Cryptogenic Stroke: While most strokes are caused by limited blood flow to the brain, some have no discernible cause. If a stroke has an unknown cause, we refer to it as a cryptogenic stroke.
Look Out for the Signs of a Stroke
Because strokes are such dangerous conditions, it’s crucial you identify the symptoms as soon as possible. Signs of a stroke usually come on suddenly with little to no warning. You or a loved one may be having a stroke if any of the following symptoms begin suddenly without explanation:
- Numbness, especially in the face, arms, legs, or on just one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or comprehending speech
- Confusion
- Difficulty keeping balance or dizziness
- Vision trouble
- Severe, unexplained headache
Risk Factors that Increase Your Chances of a Stroke
Are you at an increased risk of stroke? It’s always best to know so you can be on the lookout for certain warning signs. Every stroke victim is different, and there’s no clear-cut way to decide whether or not you’ll have a stroke in the future. However, there are plenty of risk factors that increase the chances you’ll suffer from a stroke, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Smoking and excess alcohol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyles
Premier Stroke Treatment in Texas
When the worst happens, you can rely on Exceptional Emergency Center to diagnose and treat stroke victims. Strokes can have severe, lifelong consequences, as they oftentimes limit oxygen to the brain. If untreated, patients may suffer brain damage and other disabilities, depending on the severity of the stroke. The team at Exceptional Emergency Center is here to give you the care you need within the crucial four-and-a-half-hour time period. With quick treatment, we hope to reduce stroke after-effects and leave you with the best quality of life possible.
Reducing Your Risk of Stroke
You may be wondering how you can avoid the need for stroke treatment in the first place. The truth is, there are many lifestyle choices you can make that reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke. You can minimize the chances of stroke by doing the following:
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Keep a healthy diet low in sodium
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Treat heart conditions and diabetes
- Limit stress
Learn More About Strokes from Exceptional Emergency Center
Whether you’ve had a diabetic stroke in the past or you’re looking for ways to reduce your risk, Exceptional Emergency Center is here for you. We operate numerous locations throughout Texas, from Fort Worth to Harlingen and Beaumont, just to name a few. Our team is available 24/7 because we know strokes don’t wait for regular business hours. At the first sign of trouble, call Exceptional Emergency Center. Contact us today for more information.
