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What is a stroke?
Strokes, or CVAs (Cerebral Vascular Accidents) happen in two ways. 83% are the ischemic type, meaning lack of blood, and happen when a clot prevents bloodflow in the brain. In a less-common hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel ruptures and there is bleeding inside the brain.
The resulting damage depends on what part of the brain is affected. A victim may be unable to use language, or move part of their body, or their mental capacity may be affected. Sometimes a small clot will create stroke symptoms, then dissolve within minutes or hours. The patient seems perfectly fine afterwards. These are TIA (Transient Ischemic Attacks) or mini-strokes. They indicate a potential for a big stroke and should be taken seriously.
Smoking
doubles the risk of stroke (remember, I help people quit for free!). High blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes,
lack of exercise, poor diet... these all statistically
increase someone's probability of having a stroke. There are other factors we can't control, such as aging or being of African or Hispanic ancestry. I encourage you to read more at the Stroke Association website.
Is Uncle Bob having a stroke?
Be alert for sudden changes:
- Numbness or weakness of the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body.
- Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding.
- Loss of sight, coordination, or balance.
- Severe headache - often described as "the worst headache of my life."
If you suspect someone is having a CVA, immediately call 911! Time lost is brain lost... you need to get them professional medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Aftermath and Recovery
At the hospital, the emergency team will determine the type of stroke. Ischemic patients will receive clot-busting medication to restore proper blood flow. A hemorrhagic stroke may require surgical intervention. When the immediate danger is over, various types of physical and occupational therapy may be used to help restore mobility and function. Acupuncture can be invaluable in this recovery process, since it helps damaged nerves to repair. You can read my thesis paper on stroke treatment here. It covers the basics of Chinese theory, too.
As with modern medical care, timeliness is important. In Chinese hospitals, acupuncturists make room visits daily to stroke patients. Sooner is better: The needle treatments are considered less effective if conducted six months after the event.
Last year I had a concerned daughter call me up one day. Her mother had finally been released from a nursing home after a stroke hospitalization. I can't remember now how long it had been since her event (9 months? A year?), but I warned her I didn't have high hopes. She wanted to try anyway, and I'm so glad we did! At the first house call, the patient was stuck curled up with her eyes cast to the ceiling corner, a prisoner inside her body. It was classic spastic paralysis, a common effect when the motor section of the brain is damaged. She couldn't talk, either, but her eyes were bright with intelligence.
When I came back for the second treatment, there was a marked improvement. She could straighten her legs a little and move her eyes. By the 4th treatment, she was sitting up and speaking. She even cracked a few jokes! I can't tell you how happy it made us all. Acupuncture never ceases to amaze me. My paper on stroke treatment gives information on point strategy, Chinese medicine, and strokes in general.
Her daughter kindly dropped by my office a few weeks ago to tell me that she was still doing well. This case is one of the most rewarding in my career, and I'm sure it will warm my heart until I retire.
Point of the Month:
High Blood Pressure Emergency Point
Not directly related to stroke treatment, but in a similar category: At the top of the helix of the ear (black arrow) there's a point that will temporarily drop your systolic blood pressure down 20 points or so. This is NOT a substitute for proper medical care: Use it after you've called 911, while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Simply apply firm pressure with a fingertip for a few seconds.
See the diagonal crease across the earlobe? This is associated with heart disease: If you spot it on a loved one, make sure the attached body sees their doctor!
Thanks for reading! Next month... The Human Shoulder.
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