What is a Stroke:
Stroke is the common name for the medical diagnosis Cerebral Vascular Accident (frequently called CVA). It means there has been a disruption in the blood flow of the brain, causing damage to the brain tissues.
The term brain attack is also sometimes used. Like a heart attack, a brain attack causes damage to the tissues that are deprived of oxygen and nutrients.
Stroke is the common name for the medical diagnosis Cerebral Vascular Accident (frequently called CVA). It means there has been a disruption in the blood flow of the brain, causing damage to the brain tissues.
The term brain attack is also sometimes used. Like a heart attack, a brain attack causes damage to the tissues that are deprived of oxygen and nutrients.
Types of Strokes and Their Causes:
There are two different types of strokes. One is caused by a blood clot, the other by a ruptured blood vessel. Although the symptoms can be the same, the initial treatment depends on the type of stroke and also the area of the brain that is being affected.
There are two different types of strokes. One is caused by a blood clot, the other by a ruptured blood vessel. Although the symptoms can be the same, the initial treatment depends on the type of stroke and also the area of the brain that is being affected.
An ischemic stroke caused by a clot forming within an artery in the brain is the most common type of stroke. These blood clots most often occur in arteries damaged by atherosclerosis (commonly known as “hardening of the arteries”).
A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. The most common causes of hemorrhagic strokes are uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a cluster of abnormal blood vessels.
The Warning Signs:
A sudden onset of one or more of these signs may mean a stroke is occurring. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. The sooner you get help, the more doctors can do to prevent permanent damage.
A sudden onset of one or more of these signs may mean a stroke is occurring. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. The sooner you get help, the more doctors can do to prevent permanent damage.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
- Loss of vision or visual disturbances or dimness, especially if it occurs in only one eye
- Unexplained dizziness, loss of balance, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially if accompanied by any of the other symptoms
- Sudden confusion, slurred speech or difficulty speaking or communicating
- Unconsciousness
Transient Ischemic Attack (“Mini-Stroke”):
In some cases, stroke symptoms may only last a few minutes. These "mini-strokes" are called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). If you have stroke-like symptoms that disappear without treatment, you still need to see a doctor right away. A TIA is a warning sign you are at greater risk of having a stroke.
In some cases, stroke symptoms may only last a few minutes. These "mini-strokes" are called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). If you have stroke-like symptoms that disappear without treatment, you still need to see a doctor right away. A TIA is a warning sign you are at greater risk of having a stroke.
About Stroke Symptoms:
A stroke can happen gradually or suddenly and is always a medical emergency.
The symptoms of a stroke can vary widely and depend on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the damage.
A stroke can happen gradually or suddenly and is always a medical emergency.
The symptoms of a stroke can vary widely and depend on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the damage.
Act F.A.S.T.:
A recent reports states 97% of Americans do not know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. In an effort to increase awareness, the National Stroke Association has developed a simple test, called Act F.A.S.T.
A recent reports states 97% of Americans do not know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. In an effort to increase awareness, the National Stroke Association has developed a simple test, called Act F.A.S.T.
F = Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
T = Time - If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.
A = Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
T = Time - If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.
Stroke Statistics:
In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, with heart disease first and cancers second. Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S.
Next - Stroke Prevention - Are You At Risk For a Stroke?
In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, with heart disease first and cancers second. Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S.
- Approximately 700,000 people suffer a stroke each year. 500,000 of these are first attacks and 200,000 are repeat strokes.
- 28% of people who suffer a stroke are under age 65.
- On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 45 seconds. Every 3.1 minutes someone dies of one.
- Strokes kill more than 160,000 people each year and account for almost one out of every 15 deaths in the United States.
- About 47 percent of stroke deaths occur outside of a hospital.
- African-Americans are twice as likely to have and to die from a stroke as Caucasian-Americans.
- Women account for approximately 61.5 percent of stroke deaths each year.
- Within 30 days 8-12% of individuals with ischemic strokes and 37-38% of those with hemorrhagic strokes will die.
- 22% of men and 25% of women will die within one year of an initial stroke.
- About 33 percent of stroke survivors will have another stroke within five years.
- About 4.7 million stroke survivors (2.3 million men, 2.4 million women) are alive today.
Next - Stroke Prevention - Are You At Risk For a Stroke?
