Stroke

More than 730,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. In fact, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds, making stroke a leading cause of adult disability -- as well as the third leading cause of death nationwide.

According to experts, a stroke should be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack. Every second is critical to patient care, survival and subsequent quality of life.

How much do you know about strokes?

Education information can help you better understand what a stroke is, how to identify the warning signs of stroke and how to lower your risk of having one.

First, understand what a stroke is.

A stroke, sometimes referred to as a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is an interruption in the flow of blood to cells in the brain; deprived of oxygen from the blood, the cells die. A stroke occurs when (1) a blockage of an artery prevents blood from reaching cells in the brain, or (2) an artery ruptures inside or outside the brain, causing hemorrhage. Stroke is also referred to as a "brain attack."

When a stroke occurs, every second is critical. Immediate medical treatment can lower disability substantially.

Two types of strokes:

Ischemic Strokes
Are caused by build-ups of fatty deposits on the inside of an artery wall which then becomes completely clogged. Ischemic strokes are more common, accounting for 88 percent of all strokes.

Hemorrhagic Strokes
Occur through the rupture of either an artery inside the brain or an aneurysm (a blood-filled bulge in the artery wall) at the base of the brain. 12 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic.

Second, be sure you know the warning signs of stroke:

Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes.
Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements.
Loss of balance or coordination when combined with another sign.

Third, learn how to reduce your risk of stroke:

Control your blood pressure
Find out if you have heart disease -- especially an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation (AF)
Find out if you have carotid artery disease
Find out if you have diabetes
Don't smoke
Lower your cholesterol
Limit your alcohol use
Control your weight

And finally, if a stroke does occur, seek immediate medical treatment!
Strokes kill. Strokes disable. A stroke should be viewed as a medical emergency, just as urgent as a heart attack. If you experience any signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.

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