Alligators

Alligators are found primarily in the southeastern United States. They are normally pretty timid and in most cases will attempt to escape if approached. However, their skill at remaining motionless for extended periods and their ability to camouflage themselves can make it possible to stumble across them accidentally.

They are quick moving over short distances and have an incredibly powerful bite perfect for cracking open turtle shells. Like most animals, they can also be aggressive if they feel that their young are threatened. You should always remain a safe distance from these large reptiles and never provoke them.

• Size: 440–770 lbs
• Range: Southeastern U.S.

Cougars

Also known as pumas, mountain lions, panthers, and catamounts, these big cats can be ferocious fighters and live across the western United States. However, they do not see humans as prey, so attacks are extremely uncommon. Across the whole of North America, there have only been 88 recorded attacks and 20 fatalities since 1890.

Cougars that are starving for food are the most likely to attack. Juveniles who are searching out new territory can also be aggressive. These cats typically attempt to subdue their prey with a bite to the neck.

In the event of an encounter with an aggressive cougar, it is important to be loud and assertive. Look at the animal but avoid direct eye contact so as not to appear aggressive. Do make loud noises and try to appear as large as possible by opening your jacket. Throw sticks and stones in its direction (but not directly at it) to scare it off. Do not behave passively or try to play dead.

• Size: 64–220 lbs
• Range: All of U.S. (but much more common in western and central states)

Coyotes & Wolves

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Coyotes are also able to mate with domestic dogs, producing “coydogs,” which are canines that have the predatory instincts of a coyote but may have less fear of humans, which can be a dangerous combination.

More of a threat to livestock than humans, coyotes and coydogs should be treated with respect and distance.

Wolves can behave aggressively towards people, but U.S. attack numbers are low, although they have increased in recent years. It is important to note that wolves are naturally afraid of humans, so attacks don’t happen very often.

Coyotes

• Size: 15–44 lbs
• Range: All of U.S.

Wolves

• Size: 82–88 lbs (average)
• Range: Forrested and mountainous areas in northern U.S.

Spiders

Black Widow

The two most venomous spiders in the U.S. are recluse spiders and widows. Despite its small size, the brown recluse is the most dangerous type of spider, with a bite that can develop into a necrotic ulcer capable of leading to gangrene and permanent tissue damage if untreated. This spider is also sometimes referred to as a “fiddle-back” because of the violin-shaped mark on its abdomen.

There are numerous species of widow spiders that live in the U.S. The black widow is the most notorious, given its recognizable markings and the dangerous bite of the female (as well as her habit of eating the male after mating with him). Thanks to anti-venom, the bite is not often fatal if medical treatment is sought out quickly.

Recluses

• Size: .5–1.5 inches (with legs)
• Range: Southern central U.S.

Bears

Bears have a ferocious reputation, but like other wild animals, they are unlikely to attack unless provoked, protecting their young, or starving. Usually, they will run away or stage mock charges. If you are unlucky enough to be attacked by a bear, you should fight back—not submit or play dead.

There are two main species to be found in the U.S.: brown bears (grizzlies) and black bears. Brown bears were once common, but population numbers have declined, and they are now only found in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming. Grizzlies are larger and more aggressive than black bears. They are especially dangerous because they have an exceptionally strong bite that is said to be powerful enough to crush a bowling ball.

Black bears are far more widespread and common than brown bears. Although they generally prefer to stay in forested areas, they can come into populated areas in search of food. Despite their name, black bears vary in color and aren’t necessarily black.

• Size: 90–500 lbs
• Range: Many parts of U.S.

10. Sharks, Stingrays, and Portuguese Man O’ War

Out in the oceans, there are a number of dangerous creatures to be aware of. Sharks have a ferocious reputation and are certainly capable of causing great harm, but it should also be noted that the number of shark attacks across the U.S. only averages around 16 each year, with some years seeing no fatalities. The three most dangerous species of sharks, which are responsible for the most attacks on people, are great white sharks, tiger sharks, and bull sharks.

In the Gulf of Mexico, there are a number of stingray species that rest underwater on sand and rocks. They won’t attack you, but if you stand on one by accident, they can strike with their barbed tails, which inflict a poisonous sting.

Another sea creature to be aware of is the Portuguese man o’ war. It looks similar to a jellyfish but is actually a colony of minute, interconnected organisms called zooids. Its venomous tentacles are capable of delivering an extremely painful sting.

Bull, Tiger, and White Sharks

Bull    VS 

White

Tiger

Bull Shark

• Size: 200–500 lbs in adults
• Range: Coastal regions

Tiger Shark

• Size: 200–2400 lbs
• Range: Coastal regions

White Shark

• Size: The Great White Shark is the largest predator fish in the world and is well known for its bite force of 18,216 newtons. If it is the largest predator.  This shark weight ranges from 1,200 – 2,400 lbs (Adult).  The size ranges from 15 – 21 ft. (Female, Adult), 11 – 13 ft. (Male, Adult).
  
• Range: Great white sharks live in almost all coastal and offshore waters which have water temperature between 12 and 24 °C (54 and 75 °F), with greater concentrations in the United States (Northeast and California), South Africa, Japan, Oceania, Chile, and the Mediterranean including Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus.

Stingrays

• Size: Varies by species
• Range: Coastal regions

Portuguese Man O’ War 

• Size: Tentacles can be up to 30 feet long
• Range: Coastal regions

Know this, as humans if we respect and keep our distance from wild animals when in their vicinity, we are very unlikely to come to harm.

“Stay a safe distance away from all unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly.  Do not corner an animal. If an animal needs to be removed, call your local animal control authorities. Do not try to catch it yourself.  If you are bitten by an animal, try to keep track of it. Call your local DHEC Environmental Affairs office county’s public health department to tell them what happened and describe the animal. Wash out wounds with soap and water, then go see your doctor immediately. Don’t leave garbage or pet food outside. It will attract wild and stray animals. Rats may also be a problem during and after a hurricane. If you must put garbage outside, be sure it is put in sturdy, metal cans with tight fitting lids.  Remove any animal carcasses in the area by contacting your local animal control authorities.  These steps will help keep wildlife away from home and again if you see a rare dangerous animal don’t check it out but get the proper assistance to keep you safe.”.

Department of Health and Environmental Control dhec.gov

It’s that time of the year to go on vacation during summer to area warm with beaches or even scuba dive during the vacation but here’s a warning on few creatures deadly to man if in the ocean water especially scuba diving.

Jelly Fish-The Sea Wasp=Box Jelly Fish

There are a number of species of box jellyfish, but they are all quite dangerous. The sea wasp box jellyfish is perhaps the most deadly variety. This translucent sea-dweller may not look all that menacing, but it is the most venomous animal on planet Earth. Box jellyfish are deadly to many different animals, not the least of all, us. If you get stung by one of these animals, you are very likely to die. Even if you do not, you will be in tremendous pain for some time afterward.  Box jellyfish are cnidarian invertebrates distinguished by their cube-shaped medusae. Some species of box jellyfish produce extremely potent venom: Chironex fleckeri, Carukia barnesi and Malo kingi. Stings from these and a few other species in the class are extremely painful and can be fatal to humans.

In Australia, fatalities are most often perpetrated by the largest species of this class of jellyfish. The recently discovered and very similar Chironex yamaguchii may be equally dangerous, as it has been implicated in several deaths in Japan.

Box jellyfish are known as the “suckerpunch” of the sea not only because their sting is rarely detected until the venom is injected, but also because they are almost transparent. In northern Australia, the highest risk period for the box jellyfish is between October and May, but stings and specimens have been reported all months of the year. Similarly, the highest risk conditions are those with calm water and a light, onshore breeze; however, stings and specimens have been reported in all conditions.

In Hawaii, box jellyfish numbers peak approximately seven to ten days after a full moon, when they come near the shore to spawn. Sometimes the influx is so severe that lifeguards have closed infested beaches, such as Hanauma Bay, until the numbers subside.

TREATMENT IF POSSIBE: Once a tentacle of the box jellyfish adheres to skin, it pumps nematocysts with venom into the skin, causing the sting and agonizing pain. Flushing with vinegar is used to deactivate undischarged nematocysts to prevent the release of additional venom. A 2014 study reported that vinegar also increased the amount of venom released from already-discharged nematocysts; however, this study has been criticized on methodological grounds.

Removal of additional tentacles is usually done with a towel or gloved hand, to prevent secondary stinging. Tentacles can still sting if separated from the bell, or after the creature is dead. Removal of tentacles may cause unfired nematocysts to come into contact with the skin and fire, resulting in a greater degree of envenomation.

Although commonly recommended in folklore and even some papers on sting treatment, there is no scientific evidence that urine, ammonia, meat tenderizer, sodium bicarbonate, boric acid, lemon juice, fresh water, steroid cream, alcohol, cold packs, papaya, or hydrogen peroxide will disable further stinging, and these substances may even hasten the release of venom. Heat packs have been proven for moderate pain relief. Pressure immobilization bandages, methylated spirits, or vodka should never be used for jelly stings. In severe Chironex fleckeri stings cardiac arrest can occur quickly. Going to the ER never hurts where the hopefully in Hawaii, Japan and other areas known for this problem are updated on the best treatment. Especially where oceans are nearby for the beach scene or scuba diving.

Cone Snail

Another ocean dweller to be wary of is the cone snail. It may not look like much, and you may easily mistake it for any other snail on the beach, but it is extremely deadly. Just one drop of its venom can kill twenty human adults. There is no antivenin, which means that if you are stung, you will almost certainly be dead within minutes. Who would think such a small dwelling creature could be so powerful in putting an end to a human life.

Cone snails, cone shells or cones are common names for a large group of small to large-sized predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs. Until recently, over 600 species of cone snails were all classified under one genus, Conus, in one family, the Conidae.

National Geographic (NG) states about this species having it’s own siphon; along with having a breathing tube and is a toxic killer. Snails are usually thought of as slimy, small, and are great with butter sauce after cooked. In the waters of Southeast Asia this creature is considered a underwater tank that has a hard spiral shell and flexible treads. NG also states that down in front this snail is a shell that has a cannon. It has eyesight on each side and hunts primarily by scent using it’s siphon. One of its common prey is the fish which when the mammal detects the cone shell it hides under the rock usually rather that swim away (not a good choice). It still had move to remove. The shell has a long harpoon (a weapon made of modified tooth) in its tube inside the shell it releases by a contraction with its muscle. It releases in this harpoon a venom which can be deadly to the human; it is cocked and loaded aiming it at the fish deeper under the rock not being able to get free at all making the catch simplified for the cone snail and it strikes and paralyzes the fish the siphon sucks the fish in with now having a full belly. Now hides under the rock and sediment with the siphon sticking up as a warning till next time.

They live in the Indian and Pacific oceans, the Caribbean and Red seas, and along the coast of Florida. They are not aggressive. The sting usually occurs when divers in deep reef waters handle the snails. Swimmers and snorkelers are unlikely to find cone snails in shallow intertidal waters. Their empty shells are prized items on sandy beaches. They are nocturnal (more active at night) and they tend to burrow themselves in the sand and coral during the day. Cone snail shells range in size from less than an inch to 9 inches long. Cone snails mainly hunt worms and other snails. A few varieties of cone snails eat fish, and these are the most harmful to humans.

Most stings occur on the hands and fingers due to handling. Mild stings are similar to a wasp or bee sting with localized burning and sharp stinging symptoms. They can be intense and also have numbness and tingling to the wounded area.

Some sting symptoms can progress to include cyanosis (blueness at the site due to decreased blood flow), and even numbness or tingling involving an entire limb.

Severe cases show total limb numbness that progresses to the area around the mouth (perioral) and then the entire body. Paralysis (inability to move a part or entire body) can occur leading to paralysis of the diaphragm which stops the ability to breath.

Coma and death can result in severe cases where the diaphragm is paralyzed.

Other symptoms that can occur include: fainting (syncope), itching, loss of coordination, heart failure, difficulty speaking. difficulty breathing, and double vision.

Symptoms can begin within minutes or take days to appear after the venom is injected. 

So again Scuba Divers watch out on your vacation and what you handle!

Treatment:

If SCUBA diving, the diver stung should safely surface immediately accompanied by another diver.

There is no antivenom available for cone snail stings.

Use the pressure immobilization technique:  Use an elastic bandage (similar to ACE bandage) to wrap the limb starting at the distal end (fingers or toes) and wrap toward the body. It should be tight but the fingers and toes should remain pink so that the circulation is not cut off.  The extremity should also be immobilized with a splint or stick of some sort to prevent it from bending at the joints.  The elastic bandage should be removed for 90 seconds every 10 minutes and then reapplied for the first 4 to 6 hours. (Hopefully medical care can be received within this time period.)

Other treatment options that may help include:

1. Immerse the affected area in water as hot as is tolerable (water temperature not to exceed 140 F or 60 C).
2. Inject a local anesthetic into the wound area.
3. Some reports suggest that
4. Edrophonium (Enlon, Tensilon) 10 mg IV may be used as therapy for paralysis. A 2-mg test-dose should first be administered IV, and if effective, followed by an additional 8-mg dose IV. Atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine) 0.6 mg should be immediately available for intravenous administration in case of an adverse reaction to edrophonium.
5. A 2 to 4 mg dose naloxone (Narcan) given IV may help treat severe hypotension (low blood pressure).
6. Local excision (cutting out the area stung) by a health care professional (controversial and not widely recommended)
7. Incision and suction (controversial and not widely recommended)

Other things that may be done:

1. Avoid excessive movement and keep the patient calm and warm.
2. CPR may be necessary. Artificial respiration may save the person’s life.
3. Do not cut into the wound, apply suction, or use a tourniquet. 
4. BUT going to the nearest ER is the best bet! 

 Black Mamba

The Black Mamba is considered to be the longest venomous of all snakes found around Africa. It is also considered to be one of the deadliest. It features a very powerful venom and that has many people running scared from it. They are fast moving snakes and they are know to be aggressive and strike in a moments notice. Black mambas live in the savannas and rocky hills of southern and eastern Africa. They are Africa’s longest venomous snake, reaching up to 14 feet (4.5 meters) in length, although 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) is more the average. They are also among the fastest snakes in the world, slithering at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour (20 kilometers per hour).You may be puzzled why they have such a name though as they aren’t black in color. Instead they are gray, olive, or brownish. The color will depend on the natural habitat of the species. They have to be able to blend in if they want the best chance of finding prey. This camouflage also helps them to reduce the chances of being noticed by various predators. They get their name from the blue-black of the inside of their mouths, which they display when threatened.Even though they are very aggressive they do take the chance to escape when they can. Since this snake is so fast they will often do so. However, if they feel backed into a corner, they have eggs around them, or they are agitated they will strike fast. Black mambas are shy and will almost always seek to escape when confronted. When the snake feels its being cornered, these snakes will raise their heads, sometimes with a third of their body off the ground, spread their cobra-like neck-flap, open their black mouths, and hiss. If an attacker persists, the mamba will strike not once, but repeatedly, injecting large amounts of potent neuro- and cardiotoxin with each strike. It is really amazing to see but I do recommend on T.V. not in person.  Many people believe them to be evil due to that particular characteristic. It is a myth that has been passed down in many cultures for hundreds of years. This particular snake is able to move at a speed of up to 12.5 miles per hour for long distances.However, it is quite thin with an overall size of about 3 ½ pounds. In spite of being so thin though they are very strong. This is also a very fast moving type of snake so don’t underestimate what you are dealing with.

Treatment:

Remember, the venom of the black mamba is highly toxic, commonly causing collapse in humans within 45 minutes or less from a single bite. Without effective antivenom therapy, death typically occurs in 7–15 hours. The venom is chiefly composed of neurotoxins, specifically dendrotoxin.

Treatment of a bite by a neurotoxic snake such as a cobra or mamba:

* Stay calm and breathe gently.

* Immediately apply a crepe bandage firmly around the wound, as if for a muscle sprain. This will reduce the amount of venom entering the bloodstream but should not cut off circulation.

* Do not apply a tourniquet.

* Never try and suck the venom out.

*Transport the person to hospital as soon as possible as these snakes have potent venom and anti-venom will be needed.

If you are bitten by a cytotoxic snake such as a black mamba: 

* Drink plenty of fluid unless you have trouble swallowing.

* Apply a sterile dressing to the wound.                                

* Never try and suck the venom out with your mouth.

* Do not squeeze the bite.

* Do not apply a tight bandage or tourniquet.

*Transport the person to hospital as soon as possible. You need the ANTIVENOM!!

“No matter how thrilled you are to be one of the very few who gets such an opportunity in seeing a animal rare and possibly an animal lover but knowing this animal is rare with history of being dangerous, stay well back, and take the encounter seriously,”.

Mountain Lion Foundation (Nonprofit)

1-The Scorpions

They outlasted the Dinosaurs, There are about 1500 species in all. This creature may not look so threatening to the human eye but believe or not some of these scorpions can be highly venomous like in North Africa and in the Middle East; that is responsible for over 75% of scorpion related deaths every year. This scorpion is the Death Stalker Scorpion.  All scorpions are considered to be arachnids, 4 pairs of legs for walking, a pair of pincers for holding prey, and mouth parts called chelicerae(s) to chew, the body tapers ending at its stinger and use it usually as a last resort. Most scorpions are shy and lie around waiting for its prey like a roach, cricket, etc… to even eating themselves; including rather than humans it usually only eats insects and stings humans in defense feeling threatened usually (the sting as a last resort). They are nocturnal insects usually. Scorpions are built for battle and crush their prey and immobilize (by paralyzing)them with that venom with sometimes doing it to their own species (eating their own sibling even).

Though do not blind or kid yourselves if living in America thinking there is no killer scorpion in this country is so off base. There are varying types in all countries but Antarctica. Of those 1500 species only a few dozen are potentially lethal to human beings.

Indian Red Scorpion

One of the top deadliest to humans is the sting of the Indian Red Scorpion. National Geographic-NG states it’s the most lethal of all. It’s only a tiny creature that possesses a killing elixir. NG states if it lives near people it often takes shelter where they do; and states this creatures is in countries like India, scorpion stings are a serious public health issue, particularly children (a country to walk commonly bare foot in the road/streets).

In the U.S. they are also found in the southwest, preferring the warm, dry climates found in Arizona, California and New Mexico.

Children are particularly susceptible to these bites and are more likely to die from them than adults. Although healthy adults usually only feel unbearable pain, children that are envenomated suffering a fever, coma, convulsions, and paralysis before their lungs fill up and they drown in their own fluids.

Fat Tailed Scorpions

Also known as fat tailed,Androctonus Scorpion is the most dangerous scorpion specie found in the world. Just 4 inches in length, this beast can kill human beings in minutes.Androctonus mostly lives under rocks and other shelter. They avoid coastal areas or anywhere that is high humidity. Some individuals may burrow from time to time. Unfortunately, their hiding places are often located near humans. Androctonus is widespread in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Togo, Israel, India, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Bahrain and Pakistan.

Death Stalker Scorpion

Commonly known as Death Stalker, this specie is second most dangerous in our list. The death stalker is regarded as a highly dangerous species because its venom is most powerful and most painful and can kill children and elderly.  People can be found in the desert and scrubland habitats ranging from North Africa through to the Middle East. Countries where it lives include Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

Gormar Scorpion

The gormar scorpion ranges from 4 to 5 inches in length and weighs several ounces. It is solid black with an exceptionally thick exoskeleton and black legs with a slightly reddish tinge The Gormar Scorpion has a large tail and a particularly large stinger. Its ability to kill anyone in 10 minutes is the reason we have Gormar one of the top deadliest scorpions. Gormar scorpions live only in Venezuela. They make their homes in the jungles and tropical rain forests of the country. A single Gormar sting can kill an average-sized man in a few minutes. There is no anti-venom, so a person who has been stung must be treated with vasodilators and analgesics.

Red Claw Scorpion

The Red Claw Scorpion has commonly been called the Tanzanian Red Claw. Its scientific name is Pandinus Cavimanus. The sting of a Red Claw Scorpion has been compared to the sting of a bee.  Children who get stung by them can get badly hurt, and can even die as a result of an allergic reaction.  They are found living within humid rainforests of Tanzanian, Africa. They like to hide and may be found living under rocks, fallen logs or in shallow burrows.

Emperor Scorpion

The Emperor Scorpion is native to Africa. It is one of the largest scorpions in the world and lives for 5–8 years. It has a large, shiny black body and bumpy pincers. Its venom is mild and the scorpion as a whole is not very aggressive. The emperor scorpion is an African rainforest species. It is found in a number of African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Togo, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria.

Other deadly ones found in America:

Arizona Bark Scorpion:

Size

The average length of mature Bark Scorpions is 1.5 inches.

Description

The Arizona Bark Scorpion is typically a golden-yellow color or very light brown.. It has a slender tail and pincers.

Distribution

In the United States, the Arizona Bark Scorpion is found in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. Outside of the United States, it is found in Northwestern Mexico.

Stripe Backed Scorpion:

Size

The average length of mature Stripe backed Scorpions is 2.5 inches.

Description

The Stripe Backed Scorpion varies in color from yellowish-tan to brown. As you can see in the picture below, the Stripe Backed Scorpion has 2 dark gray lines that run the length of it’s back. Older scorpions tend to be a darker brown, and the stripes may not be as obvious.

Distribution

In the United States, the Stripe Backed Scorpion is found in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. It is the most widespread scorpion in the United States. Outside of the United States, it is found in Northern Mexico.

So you may want to study about areas you travel to (especially warm climate areas for hiking and nice weather to even camping) in knowing what the state or country is known for in animals or creatures that could cause injury to you or even kill you with knowing how to prevent it, if possible.

“May we honor all our soldiers of America who sacrificed their lives to keep America safe for us and giving us citizens our freedom!”

Animal-to-human (zoonotic) transmission can occur from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. In Africa, evidence of monkeypox virus infection has been found in many animals including rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, different species of monkeys and others.  In July 2003, there were 71 cases of monkeypox reported   The cases came from several states: Wisconsin had 39 cases; Indiana, 16; Illinois, 12; Missouri, 2; Kansas, 1; and Ohio, 1.  Eating inadequately cooked meat and other animal products of infected animals is a possible risk factor. People living in or near forested areas may have indirect or low-level exposure to infected animals.  Investigators determined that a shipment of animals from Ghana, imported to Texas in April 2003, introduced monkeypox virus into the United States. By June 2003, at least 30 people received the smallpox vaccine, including 28 adults and two children. The vaccine was given pre-exposure to some and postexposure to othe  No serious adverse events were reported following smallpox vaccination.   On May 7, the UK Health Security Agency confirmed a case of monkeypox in a patient who had traveled from Nigeria to the United Kingdom.  As of May 20, the UKHSA has detected 20 cases of monkeypox since May 6.  Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to investigate a situation in which a U.S. resident tested positive for monkeypox on May 18 after returning to the U.S. from Canada.  CDC is also tracking multiple clusters of monkeypox that have been reported in early- to mid-May in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including in Europe and North America.  U.S. monkeypox cases are very rare. Monkeypox does not occur naturally in the United States, but cases have happened that were associated with international travel or importing animals from areas where the disease is more common.”

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

“Too many people ignore the signs of stroke because they question whether their symptoms are real. Don’t wait if you have any unusual symptoms. Listen to your body and trust your instincts. If something is off, get professional help right away that is the best way to treat it.  The sooner to ER the better if there since its a 3 to 4.5 hour window from when the symptoms started in a ischemic stroke that it will be given TPA Rx (but in hemorrhagic stroke straight to the OR, if the pt is a candidate). There are so many ways to prevent it like the a patient with high BP.  High blood pressure is a huge factor, doubling or even quadrupling your stroke risk if it is not controlled. High blood pressure is the biggest contributor to the risk of stroke in both men and women.”

Harvard Health Publishing / Harvard Medical School

A.) TREATMENT OF STROKES

If you’re having a stroke, it’s critical that you get medical attention right away. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and prevent death.

Ischemic Stroke Treatment

1.)tPA, the Gold Standard

The only FDA approved treatment for ischemic strokes is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA, also known as IV rtPA, given through an IV in the arm). tPA works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain being deprived of blood flow. If administered within 3 hours(and up to 4.5 hours in certain eligible patients), tPA may improve the chances of recovering from a stroke. A significant number of stroke victims don’t get to the hospital in time for tPA treatment; this is why it’s so important to identify a stroke immediately.

2.)Endovascular Procedures

Another treatment option is an endovascular procedure* called mechanical thrombectomy, strongly recommended, in which  trained doctors try  removing a large blood clot by  sending a wired-caged device called a stent retriever, to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain. To remove the brain clot, doctors thread a catheter through an artery in the groin up to the blocked artery in the brain. The stent opens and grabs the clot, allowing doctors to remove the stent with the trapped clot. Special suction tubes may also be used. The procedure should be done within six hours of acute stroke symptoms, and only after a patient receives tPA.   *Note: Patients must meet certain criteria to be eligible for this procedure. Image courtesy of Medtronic

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment

1.)Endovascular Procedures Endovascular procedures may be used to treat certain hemorrhagic strokes similar to the way the procedure is used for treating an ischemic stroke. These procedures are less invasive than surgical treatments, and involve the use of a catheter introduced through a major artery in the leg or arm, then guided to the aneurysm or AVM; it then deposits a mechanical agent, such as a coil, to prevent rupture.

2.)Surgical Treatment For strokes caused by a bleed within the brain (hemorrhagic stroke), or by an abnormal tangle of blood vessels (AVM), surgical treatment may be done to stop the bleeding. If the bleed is caused by a ruptured aneurysm (swelling of the vessel that breaks), a metal clip may be placed surgically at the base of the aneurysm to secure it.

B.) How to prevent a stroke!

Treatment is also aimed at other factors that put you at risk, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. But it takes more than just your doctor’s efforts. You also have an important role to play in preventing stroke. It’s up to you to make lifestyle changes that can lower your risk.

What you can do to prevent a stroke:

1-Control your blood pressure.

2-Lose Weight to the point that your in a healthy weight for your height. If you’re overweight, losing as little as 10 pounds can have a real impact on your stroke risk.      Try to eat no more than 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day (depending on your activity level and your current body mass index). Increase the amount of exercise you do with such activities as walking, golfing, or playing tennis, and by making activity part of every single day.

3-Exercise More-Exercise contributes to losing weight and lowering blood pressure, but it also stands on its own as an independent stroke reducer. Exercise at a moderate intensity 5x/wk and if you can’t do ½ hr as day spread it out into 2 15minute exercise moments for the day.

4- Drink-in moderation What you’ve heard is true. Drinking can make you less likely to have a stroke—up to a point. “Studies show that if you have about one drink per day, your risk may be lower. I am not saying drink one glass of liquor a day but if you have to limit it to one glass a day. Red wine your first choice, because it contains resveratrol, which is thought to protect the heart and brain.

5-Atrial Fibrillation-Atrial fibrillation is a form of irregular heartbeat that causes clots to form in the heart. Those clots can then travel to the brain, producing a stroke. “Atrial fibrillation carries almost a fivefold risk of stroke, and should be taken seriously; take your anticoagulant medication the MD orders to keep the blood thin to prevent clotting.

6-Treat diabetes –Having high blood sugar over time damages blood vessels, making clots more likely to form inside them putting the person at higher risk for a stroke. So simply keep your sugar under control.

7-QUIT Smoking-Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, smoking cessation is one of the most powerful lifestyle changes that will help you reduce your stroke risk

“If you or someone you’re with may be having a stroke, pay particular attention to the time the symptoms began.  It determines the treatment in the ER!  Typical symptoms of stroke trouble speaking and what words are being said, weakness/paralysis of one arm or side of the face or body, trouble seeing out of one eye or both, trouble walking if at all and sudden confusion.”

MAYO CLINIC