Comprehensive
Stroke Center
Prevent / Recognize a Stroke
A stroke or Brain Attack occurs when
there is a sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain. When
this happens, the part of the brain that does not receive
the flow of blood with the oxygen and nutrients it needs starts
to die. Stroke is also called a brain attack because
of it's sudden onset. Like a heart attack, brain attack requires
emergency response and treatment.
Preventable Brain attack is the most preventable medical catastrophe. The
best way to prevent a brain attack is to reduce the risk factors
causing them. Stroke
risk factors that can be controlled through medical care and lifestyle changes
include:
High
blood pressure
Heart
disease (particularly irregular heartbeat known as atrial
fibrillation)
Transient
ischemic attack (TIA)
Smoking
Hypercholesterolemia
(blood cholesterol level greater than 200 mg)
Alcohol
Use (more than 2 drinks per day raises blood pressure)
Being
Overweight
Knowing
the Warning Signs
Sudden
onset of one-sided weakness
Numbness
or paralysis
Blurred
or decreased vision in one or both eyes
Slurred
speech
Difficulty
speaking or understanding
Dizziness
or loss of balance
Sudden
severe or unexplained headache.
If you
experience one or more of these signs call 911. The faster you
get treatment the greater your chances are for a full recovery.
