It was like any other normal school day. The bell rings, children line up and get to their classroom. They sit down and their teacher begins the lesson plan for that day.
However, unlike most days, the students at Saint Joseph High School, had a real-life lesson in anatomy and health. Their teacher right before their eyes, was experiencing what looked to be a stroke.
The students noticed a sudden change in their teacher’s behavior, with half of her face suddenly started drooping and her speech slurring. They acted swiftly by calling 911 for help. The students’ quick response saved their teacher’s life, underscoring the importance of acting quickly in an emergency.
After that incident, Angie West, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, SCRN, ANVP, the program director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, visited those same students from Saint Joseph High School to thank them for their preparedness and underscored the value of knowing the signs of symptoms of stroke and helped educate them on what a stroke is.
Understanding Different Types of “Brain Attacks” – From Strokes to Aneurysms
She explained the different types of strokes, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, and even another form of a “brain attack” called aneurysms. She wanted to give her students more context and insight into what their teacher had experienced that day. Under West’s guidance, the students gained more insight into stroke awareness and prevention while also acknowledging their commendable actions in saving their teacher’s life.
What is an Ischemic Stroke?
An ischemic stroke is a neurological emergency occurring when a blood clot or plaque, blocks or plugs an artery leading to the brain. A blood clot often forms in arteries damaged by a buildup of plaques, known as atherosclerosis. It can occur in the carotid artery of the neck as well as other arteries.
What is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?
A hemorrhagic stroke is a neurological emergency that happens when a blood vessel in or on the brain breaks, causing bleeding in or around the brain. This can lead to swelling and pressure that damages brain tissue and cells. The two types of hemorrhagic strokes are intracerebral hemorrhage (within the brain) or subarachnoid hemorrhage (between the inner and outer layers of the tissue covering the brain).
What is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a weakened area in an artery in the brain that bulges or balloons. Aneurysms can remain asymptomatic for a long time, especially if they are small. However, a larger aneurysm can put pressure on brain tissue and nerves, or it can rupture and bleed into the brain. A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening event that can cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
Knowledge is Power: Know the Signs & Symptoms of Stoke
Angie spoke to the 28 high school students reassuring them that they did the right thing by seeking medical help for their teacher. She answered questions they had about what they saw that day and reviewed the signs of stroke and preventative measures. Angie also emphasized the importance of knowing the acronym BE FAST to identify if someone is having a stroke.
Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke: BE FAST
B: Balance – Sudden dizziness and/or loss of balance and coordination
E: Eyes – Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision
F: Face drooping – Sudden facial droop and/or numbness on one side of the face
A: Arm or leg weakness – Sudden weakness and/or numbness, especially on one side of the body
S: Speech difficulty – Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
T: Time – Stroke is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately
Stroke Risk Factors to Be Aware Of
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Hypertension is the most significant risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure puts excessive strain on the blood vessels, causing them to become narrow, weak, or damaged. Over time, this increases the likelihood of clots forming or vessels bursting, leading to stroke. Monitoring and controlling blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medications is one of the most effective ways to reduce stroke risk.
- Diabetes: Diabetes results in a higher risk of stroke due to the damages diabetes causes to blood vessels and increases the likelihood of plaque buildup in arteries. High blood sugar levels can also contribute to poor circulation and blood clots. Managing blood sugar levels, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed medications can lower the risk of stroke for people with diabetes.
- High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol in the blood can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, known as plaques. These plaques can narrow or block arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain and increasing the risk of an ischemic stroke. Additionally, plaques may rupture, leading to blood clots that cause strokes. A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications (if prescribed) can help control cholesterol levels.
- Atrial Fibrillation or heart disease: Atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm, significantly increases the risk of stroke by allowing blood to pool and form clots in the heart. If a clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke. Other forms of heart disease, such as congestive heart failure or a history of heart attacks, also elevate stroke risk. Treating heart conditions and managing AFib with anticoagulants, rhythm control medications, or other therapies is essential.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and raises the likelihood of clot formation. The chemicals in tobacco promote the buildup of plaque in arteries and reduce oxygen levels in the blood, leading to increased strain on the cardiovascular system. Quitting smoking can dramatically lower stroke risk, and cessation support programs can help achieve long-term success.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity contributes to other risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle also reduces cardiovascular fitness, making the heart and blood vessels less efficient. Incorporating regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce stroke risk.
- Obesity: Excess body weight increases the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol—all major stroke risk factors. Obesity is also associated with a higher risk of inflammation, which can damage blood vessels. Losing even a small percentage of body weight through a healthy diet and exercise can lead to significant improvements in stroke risk factors.
- Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to several stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and unhealthy coping behaviors. Prolonged stress increases the body's production of stress hormones like cortisol, which can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are linked to an increased risk of stroke. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, exercise, or therapy, can help lower stroke risk.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and antiphospholipid syndrome, can increase the risk of stroke. These conditions often cause chronic inflammation, which damages blood vessels and makes blood more prone to clotting. Additionally, some autoimmune diseases can lead to the thickening of arterial walls, reducing blood flow to the brain. Working with a healthcare provider to manage autoimmune diseases and monitor for signs of vascular complications is essential for reducing stroke risk.
Identifying and addressing these stroke risk factors can significantly lower the chances of having a stroke. Regular checkups with your healthcare provider are also crucial for monitoring risk factors and making necessary adjustments.
“The students found the presentation extremely informative,” says Dana Windes, director of public relations at Saint Joseph High School. “They appreciated having the opportunity to interact with health care professionals regarding this important topic.”
Stroke Care at Long Beach Medical Center
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is a Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center offering the highest level of care. Upon arrival to the Emergency Department, neurologists immediately assess patients in a dedicated stroke treatment room, which is equipped with telemedicine technology – making their expertise available 24/7. Using a 320-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner, areas of the brain affected by a stroke are diagnosed in minutes. Dedicated stroke nurses follow each patient to ensure they receive rapid treatments that minimize long-term damage. Treating stroke as a medical emergency, knowing the signs of stroke and calling 911 immediately is imperative. It is important that you get to get to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Long Beach Medical Center or your closest stroke center as soon as possible to ensure that medical interventions can be made fast once you experience a stroke to help save your life.