What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted by a blocked or broken blood vessel. When a stroke occurs, it kills brain cells in the immediate area. When the brain cells die, they release chemicals that set off a chain reaction that endangers brain cells in a larger surrounding area of brain tissue. Without prompt medical treatment, this larger area will also die. When brain cells die, the abilities that area of the brain controls are lost or impaired. The degree of recovery depends on the amount of brain cell death.
There are several steps you can take to prevent stroke. The first is to know your risk for having a stroke. A stroke assessment will help you identify steps you may need to take to lower your risk level. There are also several prevention guidelines to help you guard against the possibility of stroke.
If You Think You are Experiencing Symptoms of Stroke – Seek Medical Attention Immediately!
Only 21% of patients with acute stroke arrived at the emergency department within 2 hours of symptom onset. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
Symptoms – B.E.F.A.S.T.
Here is a simple test to look for symptoms. Don’t forget time is important!
Call 9-1-1
Balance
Is the person uncoordinated and having difficulty walking?
Eyes
Ask the person if they have double or blurred vision.
Face
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Is the sentence repeated correctly?
Time
If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911!