Stroke Treatment in Auburn - Auburn Regional Medical Center

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.

Despite its toll on society, public awareness of stroke continues to be limited. For example, a recent survey revealed:

Forty percent of the public does not know that a stroke occurs in the brain
More than 70 percent of seniors can't fully identify the warning signs of a stroke
Two-thirds of Americans are unaware of the short time frame in which a person must seek treatment for a stroke

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 and 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 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.

There are two types of strokes:

Ischemic Strokes
Are caused by build-ups of fatty deposits on the inside of an artery wall, which become clogged. Ischemic strokes are more common, accounting for 80 percent of all strokes suffered.

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. Twenty percent of all strokes suffered are hemorrhagic strokes.

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

Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in 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 of stroke

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

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

Stroke

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