How to Act Immediately to Lessen Brain Damage from a Stroke

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Save brain cells or a life: act right then.

   The first hour is most crucial for the nerves to live
   -- and for the muscles that are controlled by those nerves to not be virtually useless
   -- and for the victim to recover more fully, sooner vis-a-vis later or not at all. ~ The chances of death are much greater if a hemorrhage is not attended to immediately by a cardiovascular medical team.
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   Step 2: Urge anyone involved to "get tests right now" for stroke and whether there is the need to medically to either: 1.

   Open the blood flow using "drugs" or arthroscopic "rotor-rooter" treatment if the clot and artery is accessible and large enough;
   2.
   
   Stop brain hemorrhaging of the aneurysm by highly delicate "neurosurgery"
   -- or by less invasive but delicate emplacement of a plastic filament coil by "arthroscopic insertion". ,,,,, that comes seek treatment.
   
   At the nearest place that does offer such care at that hour of the day or night.
   
   At the nearest ambulance or doctor that can offer such care. ,,, Do not say, "Oh, let's see how I (you/he or she) may feel later." Do not take a break, "I just need to take a break." Do not make excuses, "I'm just dizzy, feel weak and confused, and just need a good drink!"
   
   ,, Start immediately while there is time after signs of a stroke which means either a:
   Hemorrhage of a blood vessel leading to or within the brain.
   
   This occurs when a ballooning blood vessel (aneurysm) ruptures, hemorrhages and causes an interruption of blood flow
   -- or Blockage of such blood vessel(s) that may be from two causes: (1) Cholesterol forming a clog and closing off the blood flow at that point causing the stroke in the brain; (2) Blood clot breaking loose in an artery leading to the brain, often after an injury in the chest area or after heart surgery (as a complication). ,,, It may be helpful against swelling, headache, etc. ,
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   Step 3: Get special care within three hours (or less if possible) -- emergency treatments by trained emergency responders and/or at a clinic or hospital -- within 60

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   Step 4: 120 or even 180 minutes.

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   Step 5: Determine the time that the first signs seemed to begin to occur.

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   Step 6: Call the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for an ambulance

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   Step 7: ie: call the Emergency Services or the emergency number in your area.

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   Step 8: Get advanced life support -- in the ambulance

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   Step 9: if so equipped.

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    Step 10: Have non-EMS ambulance (rural/volunteer fire department

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    Step 11: Quickly take the person to the nearest city or large town with EMS care available

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    Step 12: even if you have to transport the victim yourself.

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    Step 13: Check a list of signs of a stroke

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    Step 14: such as in the "Tips" section below.

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    Step 15: Take action immediately: Do not roll over and go back to sleep.

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    Step 16: Drink water only until you get a medical evaluation.

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    Step 17: Do "not" take alcohol

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    Step 18: caffeine/coffee

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    Step 19: soft drinks as a "pick me up" or boost.

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    Step 20: Take action.

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    Step 21: Err on the side of caution: the person may not be aware of or not have obvious symptoms that he or she has had a stroke.

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    Step 22: Help the possible stroke victim decide to go to get a medical evaluation/examination -- without delay.

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    Step 23: Apply a cloth-covered ice bag/ice pack on the head.

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    Step 24: Apply ice only -- so do "not" apply heat

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    Step 25: ie: "No hot pack."

Detailed Guide

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