American Stroke Awareness Month
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to remind everyone of the need to get immediate help if someone you know is experiencing symptoms of stroke. If an individual is having a stroke, it is very possible that they will not recognize that they are, which makes it even more critical that those around them are aware of the signs and symptoms to take urgent action.
Symptoms of a Stroke
The severity of stroke symptoms vary and range considerably, but they are, however, sudden. Acting fast is vital when it comes to noticing warnings signs of a stroke, and immediate treatment after is very important in order to help minimize the long-term effects on the body. Below is a list of the main risk factors as well as important symptoms to look out for when dealing with a stroke.
What Are the Main Risk Factors for Stroke?
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- Advanced age
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- Family history of strokes
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- Tobacco use and smoking
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- Consumption of alcohol
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- Hypertension
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- Diabetes and glucose metabolism
- Lack of exercise and obesity
What Symptoms Should You Look For?
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- Sudden specific numbness in one part of the body
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- Sudden face drooping
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- Sudden dizziness and/or loss of coordination
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- Sudden trouble seeing with one or both eyes
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- Sudden confusion and trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance
If you have any questions or concerns regarding risk factors and or symptoms of a stroke, Park Physical Therapy in Massapequa here to help.
A simple and easy way to remember these warning signs is by using the acronym F.A.S.T. F.A.S.T stands for face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 9-1-1. Being aware of these signs can help you quickly recognize the important indications and allow you to take immediate action.
How physical therapy in Massapequa can help with symptoms?
A stroke can break important connections between the brain and the muscles, this is where our physical therapist in Massapequa can help. Here at Park Physical Therapy, we help stroke victims with complications regarding balance and movement; and we suggest corrective exercises to strengthen muscles for standing, walking, and other activities. During the first weeks of recovery, our physical therapists will work with stroke patients to maintain muscles to be toned and stimulated. Once they regain voluntary movement and function, we allow the patient to relearn everyday activities and retrain the now healthy brain cells to control the affected body parts.
Unfortunately, stroke can strike when no one is around to recognize the symptoms or have access to immediate help. The longer the stroke patient goes without medical help, the greater the risk of long-term damage. If someone you or someone you know has experienced a stroke, contact us to book an appointment or to learn more about our physical therapy in Massapequa and how we can help.
