Are You Having A Stroke? Signs, Types and Symptoms

What is a stroke?
Can you tell if you're having a stroke?  A stroke occurs when the blood supply of part of your brain is
interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food.  Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.  A stroke is a medical emergency and therefore prompt treatment is crucial.  Early action can minimize damage and complications.  The good news is that they can be treated and

prevented.

Stroke signs
How do you know if you or someone else is having a stroke?  You may have have trouble walking, stumble, feel dizzy or lose balance or coordination.  You may have trouble with speaking and understanding, slurring or an inability to find the right words to explain what you feel.  You may experience sudden paralysis or numbness on one side of your body or face.  See if you can raise and hold both arms above your head.  You may have sudden blurred or blackened vision or may see

double.  You may have a sudden very severe headache.

Types of strokes

The most common (90%) type of stroke is the ischemic stroke--caused by blockage in an artery.  A mini-stroke--a transient ischemic attack (TIA)--is a brief episode of symptoms caused by a temporary blockage, and requires medical attention also.  Strokes are more prevalent with a personal or family history of heart disease, being age 55 or older, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight or obese, binge drinking or cocaine and methamphetamine use.  Emergency treatment is directed at restoring blood flow to the brain.  Further measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk of further strokes.  After that, care focuses on helping you regain your strength, recover as much function as possible and return to independent living.

Knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor's recommendations and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate
American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275
 www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170
Bakersfield, CA 93309

Lupus and Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

A systematic review of 28 different studies by researchers from Harvard Medical School assessed two things:  the risk of heart disease and stroke among patients with lupus compared to those without the disease, and which factors can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke for those with lupus.

The findings:

• those with lupus had at lease a two to threefold increased risk of heart disease and stroke compared to those without lupus
• if those with lupus had added risk factors (smoking, increased age, high blood pressure and high cholesterol) there was even a higher risk

For those with lupus, the above facts underscore the importance of prevention:  regular exercise, not smoking, eating a healthy dies to control cholesterol, and controlling blood pressure.  Those with lupus must work with their physicians to monitor their health status and potential risk factors.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Are You Having A Stroke? Signs, Types & Symptoms

What is a Stroke?

Can you tell if you're having a stroke?  A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food.  Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.  A stroke is a medical emergency and therefore prompt treatment is crucial.  Early action can minimize damage and complications.  The good news is that they can be treated and prevented.

Stroke Signs

How do you know if you or someone else may be having a stroke?  You may have trouble walking, stumble, feel dizzy or lose balance or coordination.  You may have trouble with speaking and understanding, slurring or an inability to find the right words to explain what you feel.  You may experience sudden paralysis or numbness on one side of your body or face.  See if you can raise and hold both arms above your head.  You may have sudden blurred or blackened vision or may see double.  You may have a sudden very severe headache.  

Types of Strokes

The most common (90%) type of stroke is the ischemic stroke--caused by blockage in an artery.  A ministroke--a transient ischemic attack (TIA)--is a brief episode of symptoms caused by a temporary blockage, and requires medical attention also.  Strokes are more prevalent with a personal or family history of heart disease, being age 55 or older, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight or obese, binge drinking or cocaine and methamphetamine use.  Emergency treatment is directed at restoring blood flow to the brain.  Further measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk of further strokes.  After that, care focuses on helping you regain your strength, recover as much function as possible and return to independent living.  

Knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor's recommendations and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke. 


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Gum Disease Can Raise Blood Sugar Level

It has been long understood that people with diabetes have more gum disease that those without diabetes.
The Journal of Peridontology now reports the latest research into whether gum disease could affect the development of diabetes itself.  The found that people with gum disease:

• have higher long-term blood sugar levels 
• might be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• may be at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes
• have a harder time controlling their type 2 diabetes
• are at higher risk for eye and kidney disease, as well as heart attack and stroke, if they have diabetes

Scientists think that germs from infected gums enter the bloodstream during chewing and brushing, which in turn elevates blood sugar level.

The take home lesson is to keep your gums as healthy as possible whether or nor you have diabetes.

Source:  JADA, vol. 144 no. 7 p.  860

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Are You Having A Stroke? Signs, Types & Symptoms

What is a Stroke?

Can you tell if you're having a stroke?  A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food.  Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.  A stroke is a medical emergency and therefore prompt treatment is crucial.  Early action can minimize damage and complications.  The good news is that they can be treated and prevented.

Stroke Signs

How do you know if you or someone else may be having a stroke?  You may have trouble walking, stumble, feel dizzy or lose balance or coordination.  You may have trouble with speaking and understanding, slurring or an inability to find the right words to explain what you feel.  You may experience sudden paralysis or numbness on one side of your body or face.  See if you can raise and hold both arms above your head.  You may have sudden blurred or blackened vision or may see double.  You may have a sudden very severe headache.  

Types of Strokes

The most common (90%) type of stroke is the ischemic stroke--caused by blockage in an artery.  A ministroke--a transient ischemic attack (TIA)--is a brief episode of symptoms caused by a temporary blockage, and requires medical attention also.  Strokes are more prevalent with a personal or family history of heart disease, being age 55 or older, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight or obese, binge drinking or cocaine and methamphetamine use.  Emergency treatment is directed at restoring blood flow to the brain.  Further measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk of further strokes.  After that, care focuses on helping you regain your strength, recover as much function as possible and return to independent living.  

Knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor's recommendations and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309