This reality hit painfully close to home. My stroke, caused by carotid webbing—a rare condition more common in African American women. My stroke changed my life in ways I never expected and what I call the hidden scars of a stroke warrior.
My Story: Facing the Unexpected
It was a day like any other, except it wasn’t. I was at my husband’s farewell party when my life flashed before the eyes of party attendees and customers of the brewery. My words started to slur, onset of full left side face paralysis (facial droop), unconsciousness. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was having a stroke. That night, my life changed forever.
The cause? Carotid webbing, a condition I had never even heard of before my stroke. It’s a rare abnormality in the carotid artery that can lead to blood clots and, ultimately, a stroke. Learning that this condition disproportionately affects African American women was eye-opening and has since fueled my mission to spread awareness.
I’m here today because of the swift actions of those around me, but I can’t help but think: what if no one had recognized the signs? What if I hadn’t gotten treatment in time? Those questions haunt me, but they also motivate me to educate others.
Recognizing the Signs of Stroke with BE FAST
In my case, the symptoms were clear once you knew what to look for. The acronym BE FAST is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke and act quickly:
B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination? This was one of my first signs.
E – Eyes: Blurred or double vision? The last thing I remember was everything going black.
F – Face: Ask them to smile. Does one side droop? My face was noticeably uneven.
A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Is one weak or drifting? For me, weakness set in quickly.
S – Speech: Are words slurred, or is speech difficult? This was one of my most alarming symptoms.
T – Time: Call 911 immediately if you notice any of these signs. Don’t hesitate—every second counts.
Quick action saves lives. The faster treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.
Clot-busting medications are most effective when administered within 3-4.5 hours of symptom onset. The medication didn’t work for me. But thankfully, the medical team swiftly went into action to perform another procedure known as a mechanical thrombectomy to remove the blood clot in my brain.
Delays can lead to long-term disability or even death. Don’t wait—even if the symptoms seem to fade.
How You Can Help
Learn the Symptoms: Commit the BE FAST acronym to memory.
Know Your Risk Factors: High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity all increase the risk of stroke. Regular check-ups can save lives.
Spread Awareness: Share this post with friends and family to educate them about stroke warning signs and the importance of acting fast.
My Mission: Stroke Awareness Saves Lives
Living with the aftermath of a stroke isn’t easy. My words sometimes swirl, my tongue feels heavy, and the fear of another stroke is always in the back of my mind. But I’ve made it my mission to face these fears and rise above them. To educate others about conditions like carotid webbing and the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms.
Every second counts. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that time is brain. Let’s work together to reduce the impact of strokes by staying informed and prepared.
Have a stroke story or tip to share? Let’s connect here. Comment below or share this post with someone who needs to know the signs of a stroke. Together, we can save lives.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. And remember to BE FAST.
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a prevalent medical condition affecting millions worldwide. While it might seem like a common and manageable issue, its repercussions can be severe, with one of the most alarming complications being an increased risk of stroke. In this blog post, we will talk about the intricate relationship between high blood pressure and stroke.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. High blood pressure occurs when this force is consistently too high, causing potential damage to the arteries and other vital organs.
The Connection: High Blood Pressure and Stroke
Defining Stroke
Before we explore the link between high blood pressure and stroke, it’s crucial to understand what a stroke is. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted or reduced, leading to damage or death of brain cells. This can have severe and lasting consequences on various bodily functions.
Medical Evidence: The Numbers Speak
Numerous scientific studies have established a compelling connection between high blood pressure and the risk of stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that individuals with high blood pressure are about four times more likely to die from a stroke than those with normal blood pressure levels.
Moreover, the Framingham Heart Study, a landmark research project, has consistently demonstrated a linear relationship between elevated blood pressure and the incidence of stroke. As blood pressure increases, so does the risk of stroke, underscoring the importance of blood pressure management.
Mechanisms at Play
Arterial Damage
High blood pressure can cause structural changes in the arteries, making them more prone to damage. The constant force of blood against the arterial walls can lead to the formation of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque), increasing the likelihood of a blood clot that can trigger a stroke.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
While ischemic strokes (caused by a blocked artery) are more common, high blood pressure can also contribute to hemorrhagic strokes. Elevated blood pressure weakens the walls of arteries, making them more susceptible to rupture and causing bleeding into the brain.
Prevention and Management
Lifestyle Modifications
Given the strong association between high blood pressure and stroke, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial. This includes:
regular exercise
a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
limited salt intake
and moderation in alcohol consumption
Medication
In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient, and medication may be necessary to control blood pressure. Antihypertensive medications, prescribed by healthcare professionals, can effectively manage blood pressure and mitigate the associated stroke risk.
In conclusion, the link between high blood pressure and stroke is well-established through extensive scientific research. Understanding this connection emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medical intervention when necessary. By taking proactive steps to manage blood pressure, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing a devastating stroke.
Remember, always consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.
Personal Perspective: Advocating Awareness Beyond Personal Experience
While my own stroke wasn’t directly linked to high blood pressure, I recognize the importance of raising awareness about this prevalent cause. Strokes can have diverse triggers, and each person’s health journey is unique. By emphasizing the connection between high blood pressure and strokes, I aim to contribute to a collective effort in promoting awareness and preventive measures. Advocacy and awareness are important tools in fostering a healthier society. Even if our personal experiences differ, the shared goal of preventing strokes and promoting cardiovascular well-being unites us. Let’s stand together in the pursuit of a healthier, more informed future.
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Thank you for reading and joining me on this journey at Stroke Talks. Remember, as each post ends, our shared anthem of hope and resilience continues to play, inspiring and empowering us all. Until our next encounter, let this melody uplift and guide you. ~ Sybil aka MomJonz
In this article, I’m going to give a quick overview of the types of stroke.
Remember, a stroke is a brain attack, a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone is having a stroke or you are experiencing symptoms, call 911 immediately and tell the 911 dispatcher someone or you are having a stroke. This allows the EMTs to be prepared and route you or a loved one to the appropriate hospital for treatment. The more information given in the initial call, the better.
The types of stroke
Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 85% of all cases. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or plaque buildup blocks or narrows an artery, reducing blood flow to a specific part of the brain. This blockage deprives oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells, leading to their damage or death. I suffered an ischemic stroke which wasn’t caused by plaque buildup but by a rare cause of stroke known as carotid webbing. I will be discussing this rare cause in future articles, videos, and monthly virtual stroke awareness events that I host for FREE.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue.
Hemorrhagic strokes can be further divided into two subtypes:
Intracerebral Hemorrhage: This occurs when a blood vessel within the brain ruptures and causes bleeding.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: This type of stroke happens when there is bleeding between the brain and the tissues that cover it.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Also known as a “mini-stroke,” a TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. It occurs when there is a brief blockage or clot that resolves itself, usually within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Although the symptoms are similar to those of a stroke, a TIA does not cause permanent brain damage. However, it is considered a warning sign, as it indicates an increased risk of a full-blown stroke in the future.
The symptoms of stroke
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
confusion
trouble speaking or understanding speech
severe headache
dizziness
and trouble with coordination or balance
If you don’t remember the types of stroke, please remember… BE FAST; an acronym for the symptoms of stroke and the response you MUST have. Every second matters when someone is suffering a stroke.
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Strokes are a medical emergency that can cause many serious health problems, including vision changes and even blindness. In fact, vision problems are very common among stroke survivors, affecting up to two-thirds of all patients who have had a stroke.
This is because a stroke occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, a variety of symptoms can occur, including vision changes.
One of the most common vision changes associated with stroke is called homonymous hemianopsia. This is a condition where a person loses half of their visual field in both eyes. For example, someone with homonymous hemianopsia may not see anything to their right or left side. This can be very challenging and can make everyday tasks like driving or reading difficult.
Another condition that can result from a stroke is double vision or diplopia. This occurs when the stroke affects the muscles that control eye movements, causing the eyes to move in different directions. As a result, the person sees two images of the same object, which can be very disorienting.
In some cases, a stroke can also cause complete blindness in one or both eyes. This is known as cortical blindness, and it occurs when the part of the brain that processes visual information is damaged by the stroke.
While vision changes can be a scary and challenging aspect of stroke recovery, there is hope. With the help of a team of healthcare professionals, stroke survivors can learn to adapt to their vision changes and develop strategies for coping with them. This might include using assistive devices like magnifying glasses or adjusting the lighting in their homes.
Coping with vision changes after a stroke can be challenging, but there are many strategies that can help.
Some of the coping strategies for vision changes after a stroke include:
1. Making changes to the home environment, such as increasing lighting or using contrasting colors to make objects easier to see.
2. Using assistive devices like magnifying glasses, telescopes, or electronic devices that can help with reading and other tasks.
3. Working with a vision rehabilitation specialist who can provide exercises and other therapies to help improve vision.
4. Joining a support group or seeking counseling to help cope with the emotional challenges of vision loss.
In an upcoming article, I will talk more about coping strategies and explore how they can help stroke survivors regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Strokes can cause vision changes and even blindness. If you or a loved one has had a stroke, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important to minimize the damage and improve the chances of recovery. With the proper treatment and support, it is possible to regain independence and enjoy a fulfilling life after a stroke.
Support Stroke Talks– Support from you helps me create content and resources to bring Stroke Awareness and provide a place for Stroke warriors and caregivers to connect. Thank you for the support! ❣️
Carotid webbing is a rare vascular condition that occurs when a thin and web-like membrane grows inside the carotid artery. This membrane can restrict blood flow to the brain, leading to a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Causes and Symptoms of Carotid Webbing
The exact cause of carotid webbing is not known, but it is thought to be the result of a developmental abnormality known as fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD).
Symptoms of carotid webbing may include
headaches
dizziness
blurred vision
weakness or numbness in the face or limbs
A pulsing feeling or ringing sound in your ears
neck pain
However, many people with carotid webbing do not experience any symptoms. I had NONE of these symptoms leading up to my stroke.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Carotid Webbing
Diagnosis of carotid webbing typically involves imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomography (CT) angiography. Treatment options may include:
medication to manage symptoms
surgical removal of the membrane
or placement of a stent to hold the artery open
If you experience any symptoms of carotid webbing or have concerns about your risk for carotid artery disease, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include medication, surgical removal of the membrane, or placement of a stent to hold the artery open. In my case, a stent was placed in my neck as a treatment for carotid webbing. I call it my snazzy neck jewelry.
Remember, early diagnosis and treatment of carotid webbing can greatly reduce the risk of stroke or TIA, so don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
I leave you with this song this week. Enjoy and know that better days are coming.
Support Stroke Talks– Support from you helps me create FREE content and resources to bring Stroke Awareness and provide a place for Stroke warriors and caregivers to connect. Thank you for the support! ❣️
