Robinson article # 3 / 08/01/06

I just heard that my neighbor had a stroke. What is a stroke?

A stroke or “cerebral vascular accident” (CVA) occurs when there is a blockage of blood to an area of the brain. The part of the brain that is affected can be big or small, and can be permanent or temporary. If it is temporary it is called a “transient ischemic attack” (TIA).

Both a TIA and CVA can cause weakness in the arms, legs, difficulty speaking, or many other signs. However a TIA only lasts a short while and often improves 100%. A CVA can last quite a long time and may only partially improve or not improve at all. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular heartbeats, or high cholesterol are at risk for a CVA or TIA but many times a stroke happens even to the healthiest people.

The warning signs of a stroke include sudden weakness of an arm or leg (or both on the same side), confusion, being unable to speak clearly, or not responding to anyone. This is a medial emergency and 911 should be called immediately. The earlier the person is taken to the hospital the better the chances are that they will survive and in some cases can receive treatment, which will reverse the stroke.

With modern treatment and rehabilitation more and more people are recovering from strokes and going on to lead long and happy lives.

Owen L. Robinson, M.D.

Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine

Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.