STROKE

ILLNESS INSIGHTS BY DR. JIM RYBACKI

Her brain didn’t get enough blood and part of it died

You never hear about TIA or stroke like this, but this is really what happens. Most strokes are due to poor circulation to the brain (ischemic) and only about 3% are caused by a lack of blood flow because of a blood vessel rupture (Hemorrhagic).

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is really a TEMPORARY loss of life-giving blood and oxygen to sensitive brain tissue. The longer the flow of blood is stopped, the worse the damage is. By definition, a TIA lasts less than 24 hours. A stroke (brain attack) is a loss of circulation that causes some degree of permanent damage.

The problem behind a stroke, like a heart attack, is partly cholesterol, partly high blood pressure, partly hardening of the arteries(calcium buildup or arteriosclerosis), sometimes abnormal heartbeats like atrial fibrillation, partial rupture of cholesterol buildup, and partly blood clot often started by platelets. WOW…this is complicated.

The American Stroke Association keeps statistics on this. Because there are many causes, sometimes combination treatment is required to get things on track and certainly to avoid a second brain attack (stroke).

Be sure to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the pills you take and talk to your doc about drug safety, side effects, and potentially harmful drug interactions. Take a deep breath, and I’ll help you navigate through what can often be a confusing combination of medical news, the latest treatments, the FDA-removing drugs from the market, new guidelines, research, and the ever-changing world of prescription drugs!

I am Dr. James Rybacki [author of The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs] and YOUR personal advocate and guide through the confusing – and potentially dangerous – world of illness, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs (OTC), herbs, and herbal supplements!  My videos, information packets, newsletters, and books will explain medical terminology, treatment options, and drug use/safety in clear, easy-to-understand language.

While other sites provide drug information, I go beyond the basics and concentrate on possible drug interactions, minor AND serious potential side effects, and the safety of the drug with pregnant or nursing women—in short, more than 40 categories of information in the Essential Guide to Prescription Drug profiles. Patient and family-centered care are key concepts I believe in and I give you the information you NEED to take control of your health and the health of your family! Remember, your involvement in your own treatment and recovery WILL make a difference! Insist that YOU and YOUR Family are the centers of the medical team–become an informed, educated patient!

I’ll show you how and keep you up to date as the research and medicines change!

All the best,

Dr. Jim

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