Ron Paul Suffers A Stroke During Live Interview
Article written by Dr. Daliah.
Former Presidential candidate, Congressman and physician, Ron Paul suffered a stroke on Friday during a live-streamed event.
As he was broadcasting his “Ron Paul Liberty Report”, his speech became garbled and incoherent and the left side of his face began to droop.
The 85-year-old is currently at the hospital but has tweeted a picture of him with a thumb’s up saying, “I am doing fine. Thank you for your concern.”
Message from Ron Paul: "I am doing fine. Thank you for your concern." pic.twitter.com/aALmLn8xIj
— Ron Paul (@RonPaul) September 25, 2020
WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT BELOW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFsaIMw8uF8&feature=emb_title
This is a developing story……
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when an area of the brain does not get the proper oxygen and blood flow it needs. There are two major types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
Ischemic strokes are more common than the latter and occur when a clot prevents blood flow to part of the brain. 80% of all strokes fall under ischemic. It is likened to a heart attack, except the brain tissue is being deprived of blood and nutrients. Plaques commonly arise from arteriosclerosis that break off travel to the smaller vessels of the brain.
Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and occur when there is a bleed of one of the brain vessels. The bleed prevents blood flow into the brain since it is seeping outside the brain tissue, causing damage to nearby cells. The bleeds could occur from high blood pressure or aneurysms that rupture.
What are the signs of a stroke?
Since a clot or bleed usually affects one area of the brain, we see symptoms on one side of the body, many times its contralateral (opposite) side. We can also see central effects. The symptoms of stroke include the following:
- Weakness of one side of the body
- Loss of balance
- Numbness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Vision issues
- Headache
- Facial droop
- Tongue that deviates to one side
AND MORE…..
How are strokes treated?
If the stroke was caused by a clot (ischemic) immediate treatment includes dissolving/removing the clot. Aspirin is used initially and if within the proper time frame, tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). These clots can also be surgically removed and arteries widened to bring blood flow to the brain.
With a hemorrhagic stroke, we need to stop the bleed and improve flow to the brain. Controlling the bleed, bypassing the vessel, “clogging” the aneurysm with techniques such as “coiling” (endovascular embolization) are sometimes utilized.
Time is of the essence, so its crucial to identify the warning signs and call 911 immediately. The American Stroke Association uses the acronym “FAST” (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911). The sooner a stroke victim receives medical attention the better the prognosis.
What are the risk factors for stroke?
The following put us at risk of having a stroke.
- High blood pressure
- Family history of stroke
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease (artery clogging, such as the heart and carotid arteries)
- Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation
- Smoking
- Drugs
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- Clotting disorder
- Sleep apnea
- Being older (greater than 55)
- African-Americans appear to be more at risk than Caucasians and Hispanics
- Men seem to be more affected than women
How do we prevent strokes?
Avoid the following:
- Excessive drinking
- Drug use
- Tobacco products
- Control blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol
- Get evaluated by a medical provider if at risk for heart disease or stroke.
