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Could Your Aging Parent be Suffering from a Stroke?

Home Care in Delray Beach FL: A stroke is known as a “silent killer” because its victim often does not realize they are having a stroke until it is too late.

Home Care in Delray Beach FL

A stroke is known as a “silent killer” because its victim often does not realize they are having a stroke until it is too late. The symptoms may appear to be related to other health problems or simply a part of aging. Strokes happen when an adequate amount of blood is unable to make its way to the brain, causing the brain tissue to be deprived of oxygen. Depending on how severe the stroke is, the elder could possibly make a full recovery with help from a professional home care provider.

Before your loved one suddenly develops a stroke, arm yourself with as much information as possible to better prepare for this health condition to occur.

Symptoms

If you recognize any of the following symptoms, get the elder medical attention as soon as possible.

  • A severe and sudden headache
  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Vomiting
  • Eyesight problems, such as vision loss or blurred vision
  • Loss of balance
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face
  • Problems talking
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Suddenly feeling confused
  • Coma (in severe cases)

 

Risk Factors

A stroke can happen to anyone, whether they are in their 30’s or are reaching the triple digits. Yet, there are some factors that can increase the likelihood that they will develop this condition.

  • More common in men than women
  • Being of Hispanic, Native American, African-American, or Asian descent
  • Poor diet
  • Smoking
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Ecessive use of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Using blood thinning medication or birth control pills
  • Having other medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, or high cholesterol
  • Being over the age of 65

 

Diagnoses

If the doctor thinks that your loved one has a stroke, he will most likely want to perform a physical exam. He will test the mental alertness, balance, and coordination of the elder by checking the following:

  • Their level of speaking difficulty
  • Vision impairments
  • Weakness or numbness in the legs, face, and arms
  • Signs of confusion

Once he is able to make diagnoses, a slew of other tests may be performed to determine what type of stroke the elder has. These tests include:

  • An MRI
  • CT scan
  • An echocardiogram
  • An electrocardiogram
  • Blood tests
  • A computed tomography angiogram
  • A magnetic resonance angiogram
  • A carotid angiogram
  • A carotid ultrasound

 

The doctor will them be able to recommend a treatment option that is right for your loved one. The sooner they are able to get diagnoses, the better their chances of making a full recovery are.

If you or a family member are in need of home care in Delray Beach, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

 

Source:  http://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/massive-stroke#Overview1

Stephen Sternbach

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