Brain Attack!

Warning Signs of a Stroke
By Tracy Rhinewalt, RN

    We are all familiar with a heart attack.
We know that a heart attack is a life threatening
emergency. We know that
the signs and symptoms of a heart attack need
urgent medical attention. But, what is a brain
attack?
We all are familiar with the term stroke.
However, a more accurate term for a stroke is brain
attack. This is an unfortunate injury to the brain
that is widely affecting more and more Americans
every year. A brain attack occurs when the brain’s
blood supply is disrupted. This is a result of an
interruption in the normal blood flow to the brain.
Furthermore, brain cells are starved of oxygen
and begin to die. If not treated immediately, the
surrounding brain cells will also begin to suffer.
As a result of multiple cell death, a massive brain
injury occurs.
Essentially there are two types of stroke:
ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes
account for approximately 80% of all strokes. An
ischemic stroke is a blockage within the blood
vessels of the brain. This obstruction is usually a
result of constant buildup of fatty deposits or plaque
that attaches to the vessel walls. This obstruction
disrupts the blood flow within the brain, which
leads to brain tissue damage or death.
Hemorrhagic strokes are the result of an actual
blood vessel weakening and rupturing which
causes bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue.
This internal bleeding in the brain tissue causes
increased pressure in the brain, which also results
in tissue damage or death.
Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to determine
the type of stoke without diagnostic testing. Both
types of brain attack are serious life-threatening
conditions.

Therefore, it is important to remember
to seek emergency help as soon as possible.
Specific symptoms of a brain attack or stroke differ depending on which area of the brain is
affected. However, there are common symptoms
that may indicate a stroke. These symptoms may
include one or all of the following:
• Sudden severe headache
• Confusion
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Weakness or paralysis, especially on one side of the body
• Vision disturbances
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Dizziness
 • Facial droop
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
In discussing brain attacks, there are often times
when “mini-strokes” or transient ischemic attacks
(TIA) are the first warning signs. With TIAs the
warning signs are primarily the same except they
only occur for a short period of time. This is usually
a result of the brain’s normal mechanism to resolve
the obstruction. However, these mini-strokes are
strong indicators of a possible major stroke and
should be reported to your physician immediately.
It is important to know that typically symptoms
occur suddenly and delaying treatment can be
devastating. If you or someone you know display
Early medical evaluation and
treatment is key to quality outcomes
following a brain attack.

If you have any of these symptoms you should not wait! You
should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency
department for evaluation.
Most stroke risk factors are associated with
one’s lifestyle. Therefore, everyone has the ability
to reduce his or her individual risk of having a brain
attack. Such lifestyle factors as high blood pressure,
smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, alcohol
ingestion, high fat and salt diets, obesity, and lack
of exercise increase the risk of a brain attack. If you
have such risk factors, speak to your physician about
special ways to decrease your likelihood of having a
brain attack.
Brain Attack/Stroke is an emergent medical
condition that can lead to permanent disability or
even death. Early medical evaluation and treatment
is key to quality outcomes following a brain attack.
You should become familiar with the symptoms and
risk factors of stroke, many of which are lifestyle
related.
 

More information about Brain Attack is
available at: American Stroke Association: 1-888-
4-STROKE or 1-888-478-7653; American Stroke
Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave,
Dallas, TX 75231, www.strokeassociation.org
Mississippi Offices:
440 East Pass Road, Gulfport, Ms 39507
609 Corinne Street, Hattiesburg, Ms 39401
4830 McWillie Circle, Jackson, Ms 39206

A Different Kind of Hospital...
Specializing in Long-Term Acute Care.
Select Specialty Hospitals serve a variety of
medially complex ill or injured patients including:
◆ Ventilator Weaning ◆ Neurological Conditions
◆ Respiratory Conditions ◆ Infections
◆ Complex Wounds ◆ Surgical Complications
Our Specialty Is Healing.
5903 Ridgewood Road • Jackson, MS 39211
601-899-3800
www.selectmedicalcorp.com

Tracy Rhinewalt is a
Clinical Nurse Liaison at
Select Specialty Hospital
in Jackson, Ms.