When it comes to stroke, minutes can save lives and loved ones.
“Our goal in working together to prevent and treat stroke is really to give people back those essential moments. This is not only walking again, talking again, and eating again, as we used to focus on for a ‘good’ outcome. These moments are dancing, laughing, traveling, holding hands on an evening walk, and all those things that make life a good life,” says Dr. Aleksander Tkach, Interior Health's Stroke Services Medical Director.
“In a stroke every second counts. Every second we save by all working together to treat a stroke gives people back those moments in life that are precious.”
Types of strokes
Most strokes are what’s called ischemic – a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or burst, preventing blood and the vital oxygen it carries from getting to the brain. Damage to the brain can occur almost immediately, as about 1.9 million brain cells die each minute from the lack of oxygen.
Less common hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds in the brain.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, is an episode of stroke symptoms and an important warning sign of a higher risk of having a stroke. Although symptoms may disappear shortly after the TIA, it’s important to get immediate medical help.
Signs of a stroke/transient ischemic attack
The signs of a stroke/TIA are:
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg (especially one side of the body)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden change in vision
- Sudden change in the ability to walk
- There is usually no pain
For more information, refer to the Face, Arms, Speech, Time (FAST) visual below:
Responding to a stroke
If you experience or witness any of the symptoms mentioned above, call 911 immediately.
Quick treatment can help minimize damage and increase the chances of recovery.
“It is important to recognize that everything depends on early recognition and accessing care FAST. We can make a difference in recovery if we can intervene as soon as possible,” says Cory Bendall, Interior Health’s Stroke Network Director.
“Although stroke care has advanced with better imaging, medications, and procedures that can restore blood flow to the brain, we need each and every person to know the signs and take action.”
Learn more about strokes
For more information, visit:
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke
SCHF supports 100 Mile House & District General Hospital and health facilities, health projects, and the well-being of health-care providers & patients.
/stories/foundation-spotlight-series-south-cariboo-health-foundation
Thanks to a collaboration between Lillooet Hospital and School District 74, several local Lillooet students got a closer look into health care as a profession.
/stories/lillooet-secondary-students-get-head-start-health-care-careers
Nida has long felt called to pursue a communications position in health care. Today, she’s honoured and feels extremely thankful to be living her dream.
/stories/we-are-ih-communications-consultant-learns-and-grows-every-day
A new program in IH emergencies invites patients to share information about their relationship to alcohol, normalizing conversations and creating a safe space.
/stories/new-alcohol-screening-questions-eds-connect-patients-care
Connect with Jade Chaboyer-Kondra to learn more about what inspires her, meaningful experiences she’s had throughout her career, and her life outside of work.
/stories/we-are-ih-indigenous-engagement-lead-values-holding-space
If you're uncomfortable with your relationship to alcohol, we offer a detox program that's done from home. Learn more about outpatient withdrawal management.
/stories/get-help-alcohol-use-privacy-your-home
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!
