In the United States, every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke and unfortunately, someone dies of a stroke every 3.5 minutes. It is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. In the event of a stroke remember to BE FAST! Responding quickly can save lives.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. Without blood flow, there is a lack of oxygen and energy for the brain therefore resulting in injury and potentially death of brain tissues. Stroke causes rapid onset of symptoms and suddenly changes people’s lives. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability as well.
Stroke Symptoms
Stroke symptoms vary depending on the part of the brain that is affected and it’s important to learn stroke warning signs and how to respond to them.
- Sudden loss of balance or inability to walk
- Blurry or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Facial drooping or unevenness of the face
- Arm weakness
- Leg weakness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inability to speak, slurring, or words that don’t make sense
When to Seek Treatment
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.
This is a medical emergency and needs to be addressed immediately. Prompt Emergency Medical Services (EMS) evaluation is preferred vs typical transportation as this can reduce treatment times. EMS can start the workup immediately in the field and alert appropriate services/teams who can be waiting ready upon arrival of the patient.
Remember that “Time is Brain”. Every minute during a stroke, approximately 1.9 million brain cells die.
Ways to Reduce & Prevent Risk of Stroke
There are risk factors for stroke that we just can’t change however many of the risk factors are modifiable on our own or with our health care providers.
- The biggest thing is to decrease the rate at which atherosclerosis forms. This includes exercising regularly, not smoking, eating and sleeping well, and managing weight and stress.
- If you’re not getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night on a consistent basis, it’s a good idea to get tested for sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Learn more>>
- Take the time now to make the appropriate lifestyle changes and reduce your risk of stroke, so you don’t have to BE FAST down the road. Some studies indicate that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
- Visit your primary care provider for management of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a stroke, sign up for our Stroke Survivor Support Group for additional support.
