Saint Francis Hosts Community Lunch & Learn for Stroke Awareness Month

May 12, 2017

SFM Stroke Month Seminar 5.31

(For Immediate Release – May 10, 2017) May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to the seriousness of stroke. Saint Francis Hospital – Memphis, will host a lunch and learn which is free to the public, on May 31st from 12 to 1pm in the hospital’s Saint Catherine meeting room.  Call 901-765-2229 by May 26th to reserve your seat.

Dr. Mohammad Assaf, a neurologist and stroke program medical director for Saint Francis, will discuss “How to Prevent a Stroke” and answer questions about strokes at the lunch and learn.

According to the CDC, strokes are the cause of 1 in every 20 deaths, making it one of the leading causes of death in the US. And when a stroke happens, every second counts.  Saint Francis Hospital Memphis is a primary care center for stroke patients and has received certification from the Joint Commission on Hospitals for its accredited stroke program.

Questions and Answers about stroke in recognition of Stroke Awareness Month.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a medical condition where blood flow to the brain is compromised. The most common type of stroke is known as an “ischemic stroke." This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in the blood vessels of the brain. In some cases, a blood clot may break loose from another location, such as the heart or other arteries, and float upstream, eventually lodging in the brain. In either case, blood flow is restricted to that area of the brain and brain tissue is damaged, resulting in a stroke.

Is there any way to prevent a stroke?

The most important aspect of stroke care is prevention. Certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking, put you at a higher risk for stroke. You can also watch your diet, keep up your activity level, and avoid smoking -- all of these small changes lead to a healthier lifestyle. You should also see your primary care physician to discuss if medications are appropriate.

What are symptoms of a stroke?

I like to use the pneumonic FAST. FAST stands for “face," “arms," “speech," and “time." “Face” refers to any sudden change in facial symmetry, such as a droop on one side of the mouth.  “Arms” includes any weakness or loss of sensation in one arm, but also, this includes any such changes in one leg. “Speech” refers to any slurring of the speech or inability to speak or understand others talking to them. “Time” is crucial, or as we say, “time is brain” and means WHEN the person started having symptoms. Please note when symptoms occur and go to the emergency room, or call 911, immediately.

Why can’t some people tell they are having a stroke?

Stroke symptoms may be mild and difficult to notice. Other times, stroke symptoms can affect your thinking, and ability to perceive your symptoms. If any of your family or friends notice a change in your appearance or behavior and suspect a stroke, urgent treatment should be sought at your local ER.

What should you do if you think someone is having a stroke?

Call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room at first signs of a stroke.

Why do you need to ask fast during a stroke?

Again, “time is brain."  There is treatment available for persons who are seen in the ER within a few hours of their stroke onset. We now have a medication called TPA, which is a “clot buster," which, if given early enough, can dissolve the clot and reduce your risk of permanent disability.

What are the after effects of a stroke?

The after effects of strokes vary widely, but can include permanent weakness or paralysis, changes in sensation, speech difficulties, vision loss, or ability to think clearly. In some cases, individuals will need ongoing nursing care depending on their degree of disability.

How can you help someone who is recovering from a stroke and what does stroke recovery and treatment look like?

The patient’s needs will depend on the degree of disability. This will vary between patients, but could include assistive devices for walking, speech therapy, and in some severe cases, feeding and nutritional support. Round the clock nursing care may also be needed. There is strong support for early and aggressive rehabilitation to reduce the ultimate degree of disability. Patients who have had a stroke will usually need to be on a blood thinner such as Aspirin or similar medications to prevent future strokes. In some cases, patients may require Coumadin or other more powerful blood thinners. Also, correction of the underlying stroke risk factors is essential for further prevention. Other periodic testing may be needed as well. Any patient affected by stroke should make an appointment with a neurologist for ongoing care.

What is a mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

A mini-stroke or TIA is essentially when someone develops stroke symptoms and those symptoms resolve completely within a short period of time. This can occur for a number of reasons. A TIA may be a sign that a person has an increased risk for developing an actual stroke. Similar treatment may be given as previously noted including blood thinners. Also, it is very important that you are followed by a neurologist as well.

For more information or to take a free online assessment about stroke risks, visit www.SaintFrancisHosp.com

Find a Doctor

Need a doctor for your care?

Sign Up for Health Tips

Get our advice and upcoming events about weight, pain, heart and more.