A stroke occurs when there is a cut-off of blood circulation in the brain, leaving some of your brain cells without oxygen. When experiencing a stroke, people report feeling sudden numbness in the facial area, arms, or legs. Additionally, they will feel suddenly confused and will have difficulty speaking.
There are three types of stroke which can vary in severity, location in the brain, deficits, and recovery time. The least detrimental of these three is called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). This is often referred to as a “mini-stroke” and can last up to a few minutes. TIAs cause significantly less damage than ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, but that does not mean they should be taken lightly. TIAs are usually a warning sign that future strokes may occur. After experiencing a mini-stroke, you should talk with your doctor about what could have possibly caused it, what you could eliminate from your lifestyle or other preventive measures you should take.
What Happens When a Stroke Is Left Untreated?
After a stroke, most people will experience some type of disability or deficit. These adverse reactions take time to heal, and sometimes it is impossible to make a full recovery. However, with the proper treatment and recovery, most people can return to normal life.
The complications associated with stroke include:
- Difficulty swallowing or talking
- Balance problems
- Memory loss
- Emotional changes
- Changes in behavior
The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the chance for even more extensive brain damage and disability. Just because the stroke is over, that does not mean that the brain damage is put to a halt. In fact, ischemic strokes unfold over a period of 10 hours. That means that with every second you wait for treatment, the brain damage gets worse. If a stroke is untreated for the full 10 hours, the brain ages up to 36 years! With every minute you wait, the brain loses two million brain cells.
When it comes to stroke treatment, every single second counts. Unfortunately, many stroke patients are unable to seek help for themselves due to the nature of the attack. There is a huge responsibility on bystanders, be it friends, family members, coworkers, or strangers who just so happen to be around. These are the first responders to stroke, and it is up to them to make sure the affected individual receives prompt medical attention. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of stroke to better protect those around you. In addition, read about how you, as a loved one, can help a stroke survivor recover after the attack.
CBC Health offers a neuro-regenerative ischemic stroke treatment using cord blood infusions. This form of regenerative medicine uses stem cells, which allow your brain to heal itself and reform damaged pathways. If you or a loved one experienced a stroke and would like to learn about your options, call us at (855) 602-3265.