Better Health. No Hassles. John Parker PA-C May, 2008 DOCTOR MY BRAIN JUST HAD A HEART ATTACK

Better Health. No Hassles. MY BRAIN Blood supply to part of brain reduced Within minutes brain cells die In USA third leading cause of death Good news fewer Americans now die of strokes – Why Less smoking better bp/cholesterol control

Better Health. No Hassles. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Numbness, weakness or paralysis face arm or leg usually one side Difficulty speaking or understanding speech Blurred, double or decreased vision Dizziness, balance loss Confusion, worse headache ever

Better Health. No Hassles. CAUSES Clotting type too little blood to brain 80%.Plaque build up carotids and other vessels. Clots can travel! Bleeding type too much blood within skull. Vessel abnormalities from birth. High blood pressure, weak spots [aneurysms] water balloon effect! Tia small stroke no residual problems but the big one is coming! Must start preventive measures

Better Health. No Hassles. RISK FACTORS Family history mom dad brother sister etc Age Sex: men + women equal Race: greater in blacks more htn diabetes Hypertension High cholesterol Diabetes Obesity Heart disease bad heart rhythm Prior stroke or Tia Birth control/hormone therapy Smoking

Better Health. No Hassles. DIAGNOSIS Physical exam Carotid sonogram CT / MRI can help differentiate between clotting or bleeding type of stroke

Better Health. No Hassles. TREATMENT Clot busting drugs within 3 hours if no risk factors Surgery roto/rooter carotids Angioplasty [open up blood vessels] Preventive medications aspirin/plavix/coumadin/heparin An aspirin a day keeps the cardiologist/neurologist away!!

Better Health. No Hassles. PREVENTION Control blood pressure < 130/80 Lower cholesterol 40 men,>50 women Don’t smoke Control diabetes Healthy weight/diet Exercise, exercise, exercise Manage stress Alcohol moderation Illicit drugs

Better Health. No Hassles. KEEP YOUR BRAIN HEART ATTACK FREE