Every Minute Counts! What you need to know about strokes

A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood flow stops (ischemic stroke), or when blood leaks into brain tissue (hemorrhagic stroke). When the oxygen supply to the brain is interrupted brain cells in that area begin to die. Time is brain, so the sooner you seek treatment the less damage is done to brain cells.

A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of having a stroke. Some risk factors can be controlled, some risk factors are out of our control.

Risk factors you cannot change:

• Age- the older you are the greater the risk factor
• Gender- Men have 2 times more risk for stroke than women.
• Race- African Americans have 2 times the risk of other races
• Previous stroke
• Family history of stroke

Risk factors you can control:

• Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity

• Numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
• Vision that suddenly blurs in one or both eyes
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe, sudden headache
• Sudden confusion

Decrease your chances of a stroke by:

• If you smoke stop
• Lose weight
• Talk to your doctor about a diet and exercise plan
• Control your blood pressure
• Control your Blood glucose level
• Have regular appointments with your doctor

ACT FAST

Take action immediately.

Do not ignore the warning signs! Remember Time is Brain!

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!!!

Once you arrive at the Emergency Department with stroke symptoms, you can expect a lot of activity and many staff members in and out of your room, working quickly to get you the best care for optimal results.  You will be taken for a CT scan of the brain and will be seen by the ER physician within 10 minutes of arrival.  Our staff has received specialized training on what to do at the first sign of a stroke.  Our goal is to provide rapid identification and treatment of Acute Stroke to ensure the best possible outcome for you the patient.