World Stroke Day – October 29th
Jan 7, 2019Living life after a stroke
When a stroke occurs, the hardest part can be moving on with your life and facing the crippling effects it can leave a person with. World Stroke Day is October 29th and Valley Baptist Health System is bringing awareness to this complex medical issue and how to live life after a stroke.
Stroke is the leading cause of disability globally and can affect anyone at any age. When a stroke occurs the repercussions are felt by the survivor and family and friends.
Yet, according to the World Stroke Organization, around 1in 10 more people make an excellent recovery when cared from in a specialized stroke unit.
“When a stroke occurs, where you go and how fast you get there is what makes the difference,” said Dr. Ameer E. Hassan, DO, FAHA, FSVIN, Head of the Neuroscience Department, Director of Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology and Director of Clinical Neuroscience Research at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen. “We are proud to be the only Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in the Rio Grande Valley and continue to make advancements to improve patient outcomes.”
After suffering a stroke, rehabilitation is a critical step in the treatment process to ensure as much function is regained. Finding a stroke support group is an important part of recovery for survivor and friends and family to know you’re not alone and there is help available.
“Stroke can have a tremendous impact on the survivor and families emotional well-being,” said Hassan. “Having the proper support and resources available can significantly improve the recovery process.”
Valley Baptist continues to make advances in stroke research and education through The Stroke Research and Education Foundation. The Stroke Research and Education Foundation provides stroke education and programs to Cameron County stroke survivors, caregivers and the healthcare community.
To learn more about stroke treatment visit: https://www.valleybaptist.net/our-services/brain-neuro
Know the signs of stroke
It’s important for Valley residents to know the following warning signs of stroke and teach them to others – because with stroke, every second counts:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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
Stroke is a medical emergency – call 911 immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms. Learning to recognize the warning signs of stroke and acting quickly when they occur can mean the difference in surviving a stroke and minimizing long-term disability, or being physically and mentally devastated and dying from stroke.
