While anybody can be at risk of having a stroke, the elderly are more vulnerable. Elderly people who suffer from high blood pressure are at high risk. In cases where high blood pressure is accompanied by diabetes, smoking or the drinking of alcohol the risk is even higher. Men are also more at risk than woman.
Elderly people are not always aware of these factors and sometimes seem to be oblivious to the facts. In a study done by Mayo clinic in 2007 they found that 50% of elderly patients that had strokes before did not recognized the symptoms again. Some waited for over three hours to a week, from the start of the symptoms, before they went to the hospital.
The quicker a stroke patient gets medical care and attention the better the changes are of recovery. Living with the aftermath of a serious stroke is much worse than taking the trouble to go to hospital even for a very minor attack.
Symptoms of Strokes
Weakness in one part of the body, normally an arm or a leg, is almost always a sure sign of a stroke. Inability to talk or slurred speech is another symptom that occurs rather regularly. Stroke victims, many times, find the face droops or one side of the face would droop. Dizziness, severe headaches and confusion are other symptoms that are often seen. Nobody should take a chance when they experience symptoms like these and even more so for elderly people. No inconvenience to get to a hospital can ever compare to the severe after effects of strokes.
After Effects of Strokes
With less serious strokes people can recover quite remarkably. For younger victims it might be easier and quicker to recover than for older people.
People that suffered a serious stroke can end up being paralyzed on one or both sides. Many times the victims have trouble speaking. Recovery is a long and tiresome process and a lot of times, they never recover.
Assistance After a Stroke
There is always hope for recovery after a stroke and even though many patients don’t recover fully there are ways to make it easier for the patient.
The frustration to suddenly not be able to talk or move around can make them very impatient and they might not be very cooperative during therapy sessions. Therapy is, however, very necessary and important.
Occupational, physical and speech therapist will be able to assist with these adjustments.
The most important thing to remember is that it is never too early to seek medical attention if you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke.
