Good News for Small Town Stroke Sufferers

10/10/08 Treatment Options

For many years doctors have urged those having a stroke to call 911 and get help as soon as possible. Treatment with TPA—a drug to break up the clot and restore blood flow—within three hours of the first symptoms is the key to avoiding long-term disability. 

Now, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine has found TPA may be effective up to four-and-a-half hours after stroke symptoms begin. This extra time window may save thousands of stroke sufferers in rural areas from disability.

So, what should you do if you live in a rural area?

Know the signs of stroke. The American Stroke Association has a free e-card which demonstrates the signs of stroke, or check out these Simple Tips To Save Your Life.

Know the closest Primary Stroke Center for your community. You can search a radius from your zip code on The Joint Commission Web site. The closest center may be in another state.

Know how to get there fast. How quickly can you get to the Primary Stroke Center? Your best bet is to call 911. Even if your local hospital isn’t a Primary Stroke Center you can be fast-tracked for treatment as you are being transported. Ask your local emergency service about your community’s stroke protocol.

Know how to get attention. Be loud and demanding. “I’m having a stroke!” (Or, if you are a family member, be loud on your loved-one’s behalf.) Don’t be talked out of your symptoms without a complete medical history, physical and neurological exam, blood tests, and a CT scan.

Know when your symptoms started. This is one of the first questions you’ll be asked.  Pay attention to the clock!

The new treatment time window can be great news for people in rural areas, but only if you act quickly in the event of a stroke.

For more Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Busy People visit Eliz’s blog at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.

Eliz Greene survived a heart attack at age thirty-five while seven-months pregnant with twins. She is a heart health educator, freelance writer, and speaker on a mission to help busy people lead healthier lives.