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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, November 21, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, November 21, 2008
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Brain attacks, or strokes, strike swiftly and with little warning. And many of the symptoms feel like other, less serious ailments or conditions. That's why it's important to take these symptoms seriously when one or more happen all of a sudden and for no apparent reason. Seek emergency medical attention, because you or someone you're close to might be experiencing a brain attack.
Warning signs that could signal a brain attack include:
Add to the list these less-frequent warning signs:
Notice the repeat usage of the word "sudden." When you experience a sudden onset of one or more of these conditions, that's a clear sign that you might be experiencing brain attack. IF THESE SYMPTOMS OCCUR SUDDENLY, YOUR CONDITION COULD BE DANGEROUS. THE LONGER YOU LOSE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN, THE MORE EXTENSIVE THE DAMAGE.
You should also take note that the first symptom listed—sudden mental confusion or trouble speaking or understanding—could be particularly serious. That's because a person experiencing such a symptom isn't likely to be able to think in a clearheaded fashion, and might not seek treatment. IT'S IMPORTANT TO DIAL 911 AND GET IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY HELP FOR SOMEONE WHO SEEMS TO BE SUDDENLY CONFUSED OR UNABLE TO SPEAK. THEY MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES.
While the symptoms of brain attack, or stroke, come on suddenly, they can end just as quickly. But don't be tricked into thinking that the problem is over just because the warning signs have ended and you now feel much better. You might have just experienced what's known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke.
Sometimes the symptoms are immediate signs that you are now undergoing a brain attack. But at other times, one or more of these warning signs occur for only a very brief time, then go away, leaving you feeling "cured." This condition is known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini-stroke." If left untreated, transient ischemic attack (TIA) may lead to a much larger and more dangerous brain attack.
YOU MUST STILL CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE EVEN IF THE SYMPTOMS HAVE ENDED. THE NEXT ATTACK COULD BE MUCH WORSE.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Jun 23, 2005
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Joseph P Broderick, MD Professor and Chairman Director, Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Team Department of Neurology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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Dennis Landis, MD Professor Department of Neurology School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |