11:54
Welcome! We look forward to answering your questions. Sue Fuhrman, stroke program coordinator, will begin the chat right at noon.
12:04
[Comment From Jeffery ] What can I do now to reduce my risk of a stroke 12:10
Hello Jeffery, Risk factors for stroke fall into two lists. The firsl includes things that are imp[ortant to be aware of but you cannot change (Increasing age, male gender or women post-menopause, family history, race -incidence of stroke and high blood pressure is higher in African American and Hispanic Americans, history of prior stroke). The good news is that you can do things to reduce your risk from the following risk factors (high blood pressure, Atrial fibrillation or other heart disease, carotid or other artery disease, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, being inactive, drinking too much alcohol, and using illegal drugs). By changing your lifestyle and behavior to reduce the risk factors just listed with more exercise, good nutrition, and regular health checks, you'll help yourself.
12:14
[Comment From Laura ] can you explain exactly what a stroke is? What causes it and how it can be prevented? 12:17
Hello Laura, A stroke occurs when there is an interrruption in the blood flow and oxygen that "feeds" the brain. If this is caused by a clot, it is called an ischemic stroke. if it is caused by bleeding, it is called a hemorrhagic stroke. TIA's are sometimes called "mini strokes" but may be a warning that a more serious stroke is coming. Please see my response above for risk factors for stroke and what you might do to prevent them. Also, please check the Fox6 website for video from Dr. Brian Chapman that was aired this morning about stroke information too. 12:17
[Comment From Dan ] Why does a stroke typically affect one side of your body? 12:19
Good question Dan! Different parts of a person's brain control different functions. If the portion of the brain that control the left side of the body is affected that person's left side will be weaker. 12:23
[Comment From Megan ] How Would I Know If I Was Having A Stroke? 12:27
Great question Megan! The following are the five major warnings signs of a stroke: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination; severe headache with no known cause. If any of these signs are present, Call 911! 12:28
[Comment From Joe ] At what age do people need to worry about their risk of having a stroke? 12:30
Thanks for your question Joe! In general, people 55 years age or older need to be more aware of your risk for stroke. However if a person has other risk factors (Please see my response to the first question above), the risk may occur at a younger age. 12:39
[Comment From Jason P. ] What type of rehab after a stoke is needed and what % of recovery do most patients see from that rehab? 12:43
Good question Jason! Depending on what areas of the person's brain was affected, the rehab goals will vary. A speech therapist/pathologist will be able to help with thought processes, language, swallowing, and related activities. An occupational therapist can help the person return to their activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, etc. and also may focus on helping to regain use of the arms. A physical therpist can help with overall strengthening, balance, coordination and use of the legs. The percent recovery is very individualized but the outcomes from participation in therapy are very positive. 12:43
[Comment From Rhonda ] How is a stroke treated? 12:53
Hello Rhonda,
The treatment for stroke is based on the type of stroke and the patients' overall health history. Initial treatment often includes medication and close observation to prevent the stroke from involving a larger area of the brain. Please go to www.prohealthcare.org/neuro for more information. 12:55
[Comment From Sandra D. Budewitz ] Is it easier to recover from a right side stroke vs. a left side stroke? 12:57
Good question! If a person is right or left dominant, it may impact how they recover if one side versus the other of the brain is involved in the stroke. This information will be assessed by the person's physician and healthcare team to provide the optimal treatment plan. 12:58
[Comment From Diana ] Are TIAs hereditary? 1:02
Thanks Diana! This will be the last question we have time to answer during the webchat. Yes, family history is a risk factor for TIA's and stroke. It's important to make sure your doctor is aware of this history and keep your other risk factors in check (please see response to first question of this webchat).
Thank you to all who participated. Please go to www.prohealthcare.org/neuro if you want more infomation after we sign off. 1:09
[Comment From Jennifer ] thank you doing this - it's been very helpful.
Welcome! We look forward to answering your questions. Sue Fuhrman, stroke program coordinator, will begin the chat right at noon.
12:04
[Comment From Jeffery ] What can I do now to reduce my risk of a stroke 12:10
Hello Jeffery, Risk factors for stroke fall into two lists. The firsl includes things that are imp[ortant to be aware of but you cannot change (Increasing age, male gender or women post-menopause, family history, race -incidence of stroke and high blood pressure is higher in African American and Hispanic Americans, history of prior stroke). The good news is that you can do things to reduce your risk from the following risk factors (high blood pressure, Atrial fibrillation or other heart disease, carotid or other artery disease, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, being inactive, drinking too much alcohol, and using illegal drugs). By changing your lifestyle and behavior to reduce the risk factors just listed with more exercise, good nutrition, and regular health checks, you'll help yourself.
12:14
[Comment From Laura ] can you explain exactly what a stroke is? What causes it and how it can be prevented? 12:17
Hello Laura, A stroke occurs when there is an interrruption in the blood flow and oxygen that "feeds" the brain. If this is caused by a clot, it is called an ischemic stroke. if it is caused by bleeding, it is called a hemorrhagic stroke. TIA's are sometimes called "mini strokes" but may be a warning that a more serious stroke is coming. Please see my response above for risk factors for stroke and what you might do to prevent them. Also, please check the Fox6 website for video from Dr. Brian Chapman that was aired this morning about stroke information too. 12:17
[Comment From Dan ] Why does a stroke typically affect one side of your body? 12:19
Good question Dan! Different parts of a person's brain control different functions. If the portion of the brain that control the left side of the body is affected that person's left side will be weaker. 12:23
[Comment From Megan ] How Would I Know If I Was Having A Stroke? 12:27
Great question Megan! The following are the five major warnings signs of a stroke: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination; severe headache with no known cause. If any of these signs are present, Call 911! 12:28
[Comment From Joe ] At what age do people need to worry about their risk of having a stroke? 12:30
Thanks for your question Joe! In general, people 55 years age or older need to be more aware of your risk for stroke. However if a person has other risk factors (Please see my response to the first question above), the risk may occur at a younger age. 12:39
[Comment From Jason P. ] What type of rehab after a stoke is needed and what % of recovery do most patients see from that rehab? 12:43
Good question Jason! Depending on what areas of the person's brain was affected, the rehab goals will vary. A speech therapist/pathologist will be able to help with thought processes, language, swallowing, and related activities. An occupational therapist can help the person return to their activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, etc. and also may focus on helping to regain use of the arms. A physical therpist can help with overall strengthening, balance, coordination and use of the legs. The percent recovery is very individualized but the outcomes from participation in therapy are very positive. 12:43
[Comment From Rhonda ] How is a stroke treated? 12:53
Hello Rhonda,
The treatment for stroke is based on the type of stroke and the patients' overall health history. Initial treatment often includes medication and close observation to prevent the stroke from involving a larger area of the brain. Please go to www.prohealthcare.org/neuro for more information. 12:55
[Comment From Sandra D. Budewitz ] Is it easier to recover from a right side stroke vs. a left side stroke? 12:57
Good question! If a person is right or left dominant, it may impact how they recover if one side versus the other of the brain is involved in the stroke. This information will be assessed by the person's physician and healthcare team to provide the optimal treatment plan. 12:58
[Comment From Diana ] Are TIAs hereditary? 1:02
Thanks Diana! This will be the last question we have time to answer during the webchat. Yes, family history is a risk factor for TIA's and stroke. It's important to make sure your doctor is aware of this history and keep your other risk factors in check (please see response to first question of this webchat).
Thank you to all who participated. Please go to www.prohealthcare.org/neuro if you want more infomation after we sign off. 1:09
[Comment From Jennifer ] thank you doing this - it's been very helpful.
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