Yes, it is possible to have a stroke during sleep, and this is known as a wake-up stroke. Wake-up strokes are not technically different from other strokes, but they can be more dangerous because treatment is delayed while the person is sleeping. It is estimated that anywhere between 8% and 28% of all strokes occur during sleep, with one source placing that figure at 25%.
When a person has a wake-up stroke, they go to bed feeling normal but wake up with symptoms of a stroke, such as facial drooping, incontinence, or vision loss. The key difference between wake-up strokes and other types of stroke is that the time of onset is unknown, which can delay emergency medical treatment and exclude survivors from typical stroke treatments.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What | A stroke happens when a blocked artery prevents blood from flowing to the brain, or a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. |
When | Wake-up strokes occur when a person goes to bed feeling normal and wakes up with stroke symptoms. |
Where | The brain. |
Who | Anyone can have a stroke, but there are risk factors that increase the likelihood, including age, genetics, and gender. |
Why | The cause of wake-up strokes is not yet known, but researchers have identified time of day and health conditions like atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea as possible contributing factors. |
How | Treatment for a stroke includes medicine, surgery, or another procedure, followed by rehabilitation. |
What You'll Learn
No Nut November (NNN) is a challenge, not a medical emergency
No Nut November (NNN) is an annual challenge that has gained popularity on TikTok. It is mainly targeted at men, although women can also participate. The challenge involves going entirely celibate for the month of November. While some consider it a healthy practice, it is important to note that it is not a medical emergency.
The acronym NNN is short for "No Nut November." It does not refer to nuts or legumes but rather to a personal and private choice to abstain from sexual activity for a month. This challenge has been around for a long time but has recently gained a new audience through TikTok.
While No Nut November is a challenge that some people choose to take on, it is not a medical emergency. A medical emergency, such as a stroke, is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. A stroke occurs when there is an interruption in the blood flow to the brain, either due to blocked arteries or bleeding in the brain. It is a serious condition that can lead to permanent brain damage or death if not treated promptly.
The symptoms of a stroke include sudden loss of balance, loss of vision, muscle weakness or paralysis, especially on one side of the body, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, severe headache, and confusion or agitation. If you or someone around you is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
In summary, No Nut November is a voluntary challenge that some people choose to undertake, while a stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent attention and treatment. While the former is a choice, the latter is a serious health condition that should not be taken lightly.
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NNN is an acronym for a triple net lease
Triple net leases are popular because they offer stable and consistent revenue for landlords, while tenants can benefit from lower monthly rent. However, tenants also assume the risk of unexpected costs and tax and insurance cost increases.
NNN leases are most commonly found in retail properties, newer medical buildings, and office buildings. They typically last longer than other types of commercial leases and provide landlords with more consistent income.
While NNN leases offer many benefits, it's important to carefully consider the potential risks and obligations before signing any lease agreement. Understanding the terms and conditions of a lease agreement is vital, and seeking legal advice from a qualified real estate attorney is always recommended.
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A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency
The signs and symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the affected area of the brain. However, a useful acronym to remember the key symptoms is BE FAST or F.A.S.T:
- Balance: Watch out for a sudden loss of balance.
- Eyes: Look for sudden loss of vision, double vision, or dizziness.
- Face: Check for a drooping mouth or smile, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis.
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms; one arm sagging indicates muscle weakness.
- Speech: The person may have slurred speech, garbled speech, or difficulty finding the right words.
- Time: Time is critical; immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent permanent damage or death.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait, as prompt treatment improves the chances of recovery without disability.
There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes, accounting for about 80% of cases, occur due to blocked blood vessels in the brain, often from blood clots. Hemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding in or around the brain due to ruptured blood vessels.
Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. They can happen to anyone but are more common in older adults and those with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.
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A stroke is your brain's equivalent of a heart attack
A stroke is often referred to as a "brain attack" and is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain. This interruption to blood flow is often caused by blocked blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. Without a steady supply of blood, the brain cells in the affected area begin to die from a lack of oxygen.
Strokes are the second leading cause of death worldwide and the fifth in the United States, and they are a leading cause of disability globally. They can happen to anyone, from children to adults, but the risk increases with age, with about two-thirds of strokes occurring in people over 65.
The symptoms of a stroke include:
- Sudden loss of balance
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision
- Drooping on one or both sides of the face
- Muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Severe headache with no known cause
It is critical to recognise the signs of a stroke and act quickly, as immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent permanent damage or death. The faster a person having a stroke receives medical care, the more likely they are to recover without disability.
To remember the warning signs of a stroke, you can use the acronym BE FAST:
- Balance: Be watchful for a sudden loss of balance.
- Eyes: Look out for sudden loss of vision or double vision in one or both eyes.
- Face: Ask the person to smile and look for a droop on one or both sides of their face.
- Arms: Check for muscle weakness by asking the person to raise their arms; if they have one-sided weakness, one arm will sag.
- Speech: Strokes often cause a person to lose their ability to speak; they may slur their words or have trouble finding the right words.
- Time: Time is critical; call emergency services immediately if you observe any of the above symptoms in yourself or someone else.
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A stroke can cause permanent brain damage or death
A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain. This can be due to blocked arteries or bleeding in the brain, resulting from a ruptured artery. In either case, without immediate medical attention, a stroke can cause permanent brain damage, long-term disability, or death.
The brain is an extremely complex organ, with each area serving a specific function. When a stroke occurs, the affected area of the brain is deprived of oxygen, causing brain cells to die within minutes. The effects of a stroke depend on the type, severity, location, and number of strokes. Large strokes can be fatal, but even smaller strokes in certain parts of the brain can also cause death.
Some specific areas of the brain and their functions include:
- The cerebrum controls movement, sensation, chewing, swallowing, cognitive abilities, awareness of surroundings, and bowel and bladder control.
- The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, manages muscle action and control, fine movement, coordination, and balance.
- The brainstem, situated at the base of the brain, controls vital life-support functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing, as well as eye movement, hearing, speech, chewing, and swallowing.
The longer it takes to receive treatment for a stroke, the greater the risk of permanent brain damage or death. Quick treatment is critical, and certain treatments are time-sensitive. For example, thrombolytic drugs must be administered within three to four and a half hours of the onset of stroke symptoms to dissolve existing clots without increasing the risk of dangerous bleeding complications. Mechanical thrombectomy, a catheterization procedure to remove clots, is most effective within 24 hours of symptom onset.
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Frequently asked questions
NNN stands for 'No Nut November'.
The NNN challenge involves going entirely celibate for the month of November.
The challenge is mainly for men, but women can also participate.
Some consider NNN to be a healthy practice to attempt at least once a year.