Stroke Health Article

Support Groups

Additional support and resources are available from the American Stroke Association -- www.strokeassociation.org.

Expectations (prognosis)

The long-term outcome from a stroke depends on the extent of damage to the brain, the presence of any associated medical problems, and the likelihood of recurring strokes.

Of those who survive a stroke, many have long-term disabilities, but about 10% of those who have had a stroke recover most or all function. Fifty percent are able to be at home with medical assistance while 40% become residents of a long-term care facility like a nursing home.

Complications

• Problems due to loss of mobility (joint contractures, pressure sores)
• Permanent loss of movement or sensation of a part of the body
• Bone fractures
• Muscle spasticity
• Permanent loss of brain functions
• Reduced communication or social interaction
• Reduced ability to function or care for self
• Decreased life span
• Side effects of medications
• Aspiration
• Malnutrition

Calling your health care provider

Call your local emergency number (such as 911) if someone has symptoms of a stroke. Stroke requires immediate treatment!

Prevention

To help prevent a stroke:

• Get screened for high blood pressure at least every 2 years, especially if you have a family history of high blood pressure.
• Have your cholesterol checked. If you are high risk, your LDL "bad" cholesterol should be lower than 70 mg/dL.
• If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease, make sure you follow your doctor's treatment recommendations.
• Follow a low-fat diet.
• Quit smoking.
• Exercise regularly -- 30 minutes a day if you are not overweight; 60 - 90 minutes a day if you are overweight.
• Do not drink more than 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks a day.

Aspirin therapy (81mg a day or 100mg every other day) is now recommended for stroke prevention in women under 65 as long as the benefits outweigh the risks. It should be considered for women over age 65 only if their blood pressure is controlled and the benefit is greater than the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and brain hemorrhage. Ask your doctor if aspirin is right for you.

Your doctor may also recommend that you take aspirin or another blood thinner if you have had a TIA or stroke in the past, or if you currently have a heart arrhythmia (like atrial fibrillation), mechanical heart valve, congestive heart failure, or risk factors for stroke.

Carotid endarterectomy (removal of plaque from the carotid arteries) may help prevent new strokes from occurring in people with large blockage in their blood vessels.

References

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation. 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007.

American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -- 2005 Update. Dallas, Texas: American Heart Association; 2005.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2004.