**Stroke: Fast Action Saves Brain Cells

http://www.everydayhealth.com/stroke/stroke-treatment-every-second-counts.aspx?pos=2&xid=nl_EverydayHealthManagingDiabetes_20141010
I am paraphrasing an article from Everyday Health:
Quick action, getting to the emergency department, in the case of a stroke can save brain cells.  In other words, it saves lives and can reduce the loss of functioning.  A stroke basically means that blood cells are dying due to a problems with blood circulation.  Strokes come in two types: ischemic and hemorrhagic.  In ischemic a blood clot is stopping blood from getting to a part of the brain.  In hemorrhagic, a blood vessel has burst leaking blood into the brain.  In both cases quick action is needed.  However to act quickly you have to recognize a stroke.  This article suggests, "Signs may be subtle — someone just isn't quite normal, seems tired, confused, or uncoordinated."  I googled "signs of a stroke" and got this result:

• SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body.
• SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.

In the stroke caused by blood clot, there is a treatment that can eat the clot, if administered within three hours of the stroke.  The blood leakage stroke is more lethal, and causes more damage to the brain.  But again timely treatment is needed.   Strokes vary based on size and location.  Even a small stroke, in a delicate location can have big effects.  We should all be aware of stroke signs, and the need for timely action.  I know at Valley Medical Center where I work they have a stroke team, just as they have a code blue team.  This is to give treatment in a timely manner for the best results.