H E ALTH & WE LLN E S S
THE KEY TO PREVENTING AND TREATING STROKE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW By CalBroker Magazine
MAY IS DESIGNATED AS STROKE AWARENESS MONTH IN
THE UNITED STATES, AIMED AT RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT STROKE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT. THIS MONTH
HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNIZING STROKE
SYMPTOMS AND MANAGING RISK FACTORS SUCH AS HIGH
BLOOD PRESSURE, WHICH CAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A STROKE OCCURRING.
We all know that a stroke is a severe medical emergency — it often strikes without warning and leaves behind devastating consequences. For brokers, understanding the nuances of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment can help you guide your clients toward more cost-effective solutions with better outcomes.
Once the patient is at the clinic, doctors will use imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs to identify the type of stroke, its current state, and its severity. Blood tests and physical exams are also typically mandatory, and other tests such as a carotid ultrasound or a cerebral angiogram may also be used.
Below, we’ll delve into the key to preventing and treating stroke, as well as exploring the symptoms and early diagnosis of a stroke and which treatments work to rehab stroke impact. Also, we’ll look into the role of stroke risk and prevention research. Here’s what you need to know to support your clients:
How Can Strokes Be Prevented? The classic “FAST” test is an excellent way to tell if a person is having a stroke. Teaching your clients how it works can help them get to a clinic in time, which translates to a better prognosis. FAST involves the following:
What Is a Stroke? A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted due to a blocked artery or a burst blood vessel. The first type is known as an “ischemic stroke,” while the second is a “hemorrhagic stroke.”
• Face: Can the person smile? Or does one side of the face not seem to be working properly? • Arms: Can the person lift both arms correctly? • Speech: Can the person repeat a simple phrase? Is their speech slurred or different in some way? • Time: If any of these signs are present, a medical emergency service should be called right away.
The early diagnosis of stroke is crucial for a timely and appropriate recovery. Usually, a patient will manifest sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, headaches, and/or trouble speaking.
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What Causes Strokes? Ischemic strokes are often the result of clots or plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes usually stem from weakened blood vessels—which may be linked to conditions such as high blood pressure.
calbrokermag.com
MAY 2025
