The risk of stroke is two and one-half times higher in people
with diabetes. A stroke is damage to part of the brain tissue as a result of a
loss of blood and oxygen. Brain tissue needs a constant supply of oxygen and
nutrients to keep nerve cells and other parts of the tissue alive and
functioning. The brain cannot store oxygen, so it relies on a network of blood
vessels to provide it with blood that is rich in oxygen.
A stroke occurs when one of these blood vessels becomes damaged
or blocked, preventing blood from reaching a part of the brain tissue. When the
tissue is cut off from its supply of oxygen for more than three to four minutes,
it begins to die.
Warning signs
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you experience any of the major stroke
warning signs listed below, call 9-1-1. You must get to the hospital
immediately.
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one
side of the body)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding words or simple sentences
- Double vision or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Sudden inability to move part of the body (paralysis)
- Sudden, unexplainable and intense headache
Treatment
- Medications — the only FDA approved treatment for acute ischemic (sudden
onset) stroke is a thrombolytic agent (TPA) or "clot buster" medication. TPA
must be given within the first 3 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.
Also, there are several new and experimental drugs that may stop — and even
reverse — the brain damage if administered immediately after a stroke.
- Diagnostic tests that help guide the treatments used to prevent a
recurrent stroke
- Changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as medications to treat
atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits within the blood vessel
walls)
- Physical and Occupational Therapy – helps in the recovery of strength
and ability to perform previous activities
- Carotid endarterectomy — surgical removal of the plaque within the
carotid artery (the artery that supplies blood to the brain)
- Carotid angioplasty and stenting procedure — less invasive treatment
appropriate for some patients who have blockages within the arteries of the
brain
Prevention
- Don’t smoke.
- Have your cholesterol level checked and control your cholesterol level,
if necessary, by limiting the amount of fat and cholesterol you eat.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Have your blood pressure checked and control your blood pressure, if necessary.
- Follow your health care provider’s instructions for changing your diet.
- Follow your health care provider’s instructions for preventive medications.