Ischemic Strokes ~ What are They Exactly?

My Dad had an Ischemic Stroke on Thursday, October 10, 2013. This of course prompted me to go find out all I can about this type of stroke. I have a lot of information that I have found out about this illness that I will share in several blogs. 

First, do you know what the warning signs of a stroke are? Learning this information can save a life. A stroke can happen suddenly so knowing these signs tell you when to call 9.1.1. It is important to get help quickly because the quicker the person having a stroke gets to the hospital for care, the sooner they are treated. That can mean all the difference in their recovery as I can personally attest to with my Dad's progress.

Here is how you can spot a stroke: Remember F.A.S.T.

F - Face drooping. Typically one side drooping or numb. Ask person to smile.

A - Arm weakness. Is an arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise arms and see if one drifts downward or cannot be raised.

S - Slurred or inability to speak, or hard to understand.  Ask them to repeat a simple sentence like the ball is round and see if they can repeat it correctly.

T - Time to call 9.1.1. if the person shows any of these symptoms even if they disappear. Get them help asap.

Click here for more information on strokes. 

An Ischemic stroke is defined as a blood clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain. Our brains control body functions so depending on where the obstruction occurs and how much brain tissue is affected, different functions are affected adversely. My Dad had a left brain stroke which affected his right side movement and his speech/communication. Other left brain possible complications are paralysis on the right side of the body, cautious behavior or slow movement, and/or memory loss. 

My Dad seems to remember everything that happened both before and after as well as many additional items so hopefully he won't experience any of this issue. The paralysis appears to have been temporary although he has not regained strength in his right side completely. He seems almost back to normal despite tiring far more easily than he did prior to the stroke. 

I am encouraged by his progress and will continue to report information. Maybe by sharing this information, someone else can be helped as well. 

Comments and/or Questions are Welcome!