Understanding Stroke
The word stroke comes from a Greek word meaning to be struck down, and that is pretty much what happens. Suddenly, you find yourself unable to walk, talk, or even smile as you did before. It is a medical emergency. As with any emergency, time is of the essence, but with early identification and timely treatment in the emergency room, the worst effects of most strokes can be avoided.
32,000
Brain Cells
Per Second
Time is Brain
During a stroke, 32,000 brain cells die every second until treatment occurs. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is basically a brain attack. It occurs, in most cases, because normal blood flow to the brain has been blocked because of diseased blood vessels and/or a blood clot.
Ischemic Stroke
Normal blood flow to the brain is blocked by diseased vessels or a clot. This accounts for 80 to 90 percent of cases.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Caused by a sudden rupture of an artery inside the brain (intracerebral) or in the spaces surrounding the brain (subarachnoid).
Know Your Risk
If you or a family member is at risk of a stroke, you can prepare yourself to act rapidly by learning as much as you can about strokes and your risk factors:
Age
After age 55, the risk doubles with each decade. 28% of stroke sufferers are younger than 65.
Carotid Artery Disease
When arteries supplying the brain are occluded by plaque, there is a high risk of a total blockage.
Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled hypertension makes you seven times more likely to suffer a stroke.
Diabetes
A diabetic has a risk 2.5 times higher than that of a person without diabetes.
Atrial Fibrillation
An abnormal heart rhythm increases the risk of blood clots, a frequent cause of stroke.
Ethnic Background
Incidence rates are significantly higher for African American males and females compared to Caucasians.
Previous Stroke
About 25 percent of survivors will have another stroke within the next five years.
The Warning Signs: BE FAST
Symptoms are sometimes dramatic but not always. The person having a stroke may not know it or may be in denial. To help you remember the warning signs, use the acronym BE FAST.
Other signs include sudden confusion, dizziness, or severe headache with no known cause.
View Detailed Warning Signs »
Mini-Strokes (TIA)
One of the most powerful warning signs is a TIA (transient ischemic attack) or mini-stroke. This usually involves facial weakness or loss of vision that passes within a short time.
Don’t ignore it. A mini-stroke gives your brain cells a break as you head to the emergency room. The risk of a full-blown stroke remains high for several months.
Be Prepared
If you live alone and have a high risk, keep a phone close to you. Even if your speech becomes gibberish, a dispatcher might recognize the signs and trace your call to get you the help you need.
Survival and Recovery
Stroke carries a high risk of mortality, with about 15 percent die shortly after the stroke; another 10 percent, within the first year. However, when a patient gets to the hospital quickly enough, clot-dissolving medications can be administered. Nearly a quarter of stroke victims survive with only minor impairments.
Emergency? Call 9-1-1
If you observe any signs of stroke, do not wait. Every second counts.
Call 9-1-1 Now