Stroke. Know the Signs. Act In Time.
Table of Contents
Know Stroke
- What is a stroke?
- What causes a stroke?
- What disabilities can result from a stroke?
Know the Signs
- What are the symptoms of a stroke?
- What should a bystander do?
Act in Time
- Why is there a need to act fast?
- What is the benefit of treatment?
- What can I do to prevent a stroke?
Know Stroke
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the
United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability
in adults. About 600,000 new strokes are reported in the U.S. each
year. The good news is that treatments are available that can
greatly reduce the damage caused by a stroke. However, you need to
recognize the symptoms of a stroke and get to a hospital quickly.
Getting treatment within 60 minutes can prevent disability.
KNOW STROKE video. This
eight-minute video features experts in the field of stroke
discussing the symptoms of stroke and what to do, as well as stories
from people who have successfully recovered from a stroke. This
presentation requires the latest free version of RealPlayer.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, sometimes called a
"brain attack," occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
When a stroke occurs, brain cells in the immediate area begin to die
because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to
function.
What causes a stroke?
There are two major kinds of
stroke. The first, called an ischemic
stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood
vessel or artery in the brain. About 80 percent of all strokes are
ischemic. The second, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a
blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds into the brain.
About 20 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic.
What disabilities can result from a stroke?
Although stroke is a disease
of the brain, it can affect the entire body. The effects of a stroke
range from mild to severe and can include paralysis, problems with
thinking, problems with speaking, and emotional problems. Patients
may also experience pain or numbness after a stroke.
 Know the Signs
Because stroke injures the
brain, you may not realize that you are having a stroke. To a
bystander, someone having a stroke may just look unaware or
confused. Stroke victims have the best chance if someone around them
recognizes the symptoms and acts quickly.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
What should a bystander do?
If you believe someone is
having a stroke – if he or she suddenly loses the ability to speak,
or move an arm or leg on one side, or experiences facial paralysis
on one side – call 911 immediately.
   
 Act in Time
Stroke is a medical
emergency. Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke. The
longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage.
Immediate treatment can save people's lives and enhance their
chances for successful recovery.
Why is there a need to act fast?
Ischemic strokes, the most
common type of strokes, can be treated with a drug called t-PA, that
dissolves blood clots obstructing blood flow to the brain. The
window of opportunity to start treating stroke patients is three
hours, but to be evaluated and receive treatment, patients need to
get to the hospital within 60 minutes.
What is the benefit of treatment?
A five-year study by the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
found that some stroke patients who received t-PA within three hours
of the start of stroke symptoms were at least 30 percent more likely
to recover with little or no disability after three months.
What can I do to prevent a stroke?
The best
treatment for stroke is prevention. There are several risk factors
that increase your chances of having a stroke:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
If you smoke – quit. If you
have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high
cholesterol, getting them under control – and keeping them under
control – will greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public
Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information
purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or
an official position of the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the
treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained
through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient
or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
Last updated December 13, 2004 |
