Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Stroke Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to stroke, rehabilitation, ability to eat/swallow, alertness, bowel/bladder control, depression, motor skills, nutrition, orthotics/braces, pain, prevention, senses, and spasticity.
Concerned
by kmehta, Jan 04, 2008 03:33PM
My mom recently had a stroke. She's 47 and I am told that is relatively young to have a stroke. She wasn't affected (no paralysis) and is already on her feet again, but I'm concerned that this may happen again. I was wondering if she is at risk for future stroke and if she is, in what way can another stroke be prevented?
Member Comments (1)
by caregiver222, Jan 04, 2008 05:57PM
The answer is complicated. The fact you state she "had a stroke" is meaningless. The word "stroke" is one I would like to see disappear from the vocabulary (as well as "heart attack"). Commonly "strokes" can be caused by either a bleed or a clot, and the treatment protocols are diametrical. Often the problem starts with a clot, then the treatment is coumadin, and there is then a bleed. A lot depends upon the condition of the circulatory system. Improper diet and genetic susceptability cause some people to develop narrowing of these blood vessels, which predisposes them to blockages. There is a recent trend towards recommending a baby aspirin a day. From a purely personal standpoint, I believe this is not always necessary. The natural clotting mechanism was put there for a reason. Interference with clotting produces leakage. Clotting is a natural mechanism of repair and I would not interfere with this unless there was clear reason. To answer your question dehydration is a prime cause of "strokes". Control of blood sugar, diet, moderate exercise, NO SMOKING, and taking omega-3 fish oil supplements and cod liver oil are all helpful. The fish oils help with "lubricosity" of the blood. Your physician has to provide you with more information as to the exact cause of the "stroke". In fairness, this is not always possible, even for the best physician. Good hydration with electrolytes is far more important than taking aspirin. I have yet to see hydration stressed, but I know of no physician that doesn't immediately suggest aspirin, even without reviewing tests of clotting time. Aspirin suggestions are the "tip of the week" in the stroke community. Sort of like Hula-hoops in the 1950's and Twinkies. Review available information, consult your physician, and come to your own conclusions.
Post Comment
