Life-saving Clot Retrieval for Ischemic Strokes
Time is Brain (NIA)
Time is Brain
When a person has a stroke time is crucial, as it is estimated that two million brain cells die every minute during an acute severe stroke. Therefore, among doctors the phrase “time is brain” was born.
There are Two Main kinds of Strokes
Ischemic strokes are when a blood clot lodges in a blood vessel in the brain shutting off blood flow.
Hemorrhagic strokes are when there is sudden bleeding in the brain when a blood vessel or a brain aneurism bursts.
Clot Retrieval
One of the most crucial breakthroughs in stroke treatment came about a few years ago after research showed that clots that had lodged in blood vessels in the brain, cutting off blood flow, could be quickly removed before a great deal of brain damage would have taken place. In this case, a catheter is inserted in the femoral artery in the groin and manipulated up to the brain, Imaging then directs it to the clot that is blocking a blood vessel and literally retrieves the clot, which immediately allows proper blood flow back into the brain. However, this treatment is mainly effective if it is carried out within the first six hours after someone has a stroke.
Recognizing Symptoms of a Stroke
The sooner a stroke is recognized, the sooner treatment can begin. Everyone should know when to call 911 and even if you are uncertain about whether or not someone is having a stroke, you should not hesitate to call them.
Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, droopy face
Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech, slurred speech
Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes, dilated pupil
Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
Preventing Strokes
These are mainly lifestyle habits that need to be changed like:
Quitting smoking
Controlling weight
Maintaining normal blood pressure levels
Eating a nutritious diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish
Getting enough physical exercise
More about Strokes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. About 800,000 American adults experience a stroke each year. Approximately six million stroke survivors live in the United States.
Stroke Rehabilitation
Participation in stroke rehabilitation, can take place in various settings. Stroke Rehabilitation usually begins in the hospital and has been shown to reduce getting another stroke and also improves function and quality of life.
Stroke Rehabilitation at Ditmas Park Rehab and Care Center, Brooklyn, New York
Ditmas Park Rehab and Care Center in Brooklyn, New York, a 5-star facility, has an outstanding department for stroke rehabilitation. Their highly skilled team works with each stroke patient on an individual basis with the goal of restoring as much function as possible.
Brooklyn Hospitals near Ditmas Park Rehab and Care
New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn (formerly named NYU Lutheran Medical Center)
SUNY Downstate Medical Center – University Hospital of Brooklyn
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
Conclusion
Since time is crucial in treating strokes, everyone should learn how to recognize the signs of a stroke. The sooner someone gets to the hospital, the better is their chance for survival and for preventing brain damage. Likewise, the sooner stroke rehabilitation is begun the better is the chance to regain mobility and function.