Stroke

A stroke is a “brain attack”. It occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, functions controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost. How a person is affected by a stroke depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. There are two types of stroke called hemorrhagic and ischemic.  There are also Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) that mimic stroke-like symptoms:

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: occurs when a brain aneurysm bursts or a weakened blood vessel leaks
• Ischemic Stroke: occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot
• Transient Ischemic Attack: occurs when blood flow to part of the brain stops for a short period of time, it can mimic stroke-like symptoms. These appear and last less than 24 hours before disappearing. These are often warning symptoms of a stroke and need medical attention.   

Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke

Learn to quickly recognize the signs of stroke using the letters F-A-S-T

F- Face drooping

A- Arm weakness

S- Speech difficulty

T- Time to call 911

 Other SUDDEN symptoms of a stroke may include:

•  numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
•  confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
•   trouble seeing in one or both eyes
•   trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
•   severe headache with no known cause

Preventing a Stroke from Happening

Eighty percent of strokes are preventable. Learn how to recognize symptoms and how to prevent it.

• Manage high blood pressure
• Reduce cholesterol
• Control blood sugar
• Be active
• Eat a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Do not smoke
• Discuss aspirin regimen with your provider