Primary Stroke Center

Prevent / Recognize a Stroke

INI Rockford | The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association

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A stroke or brain attack occurs when there is a sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain. When this happens, the part of the brain that does not receive the flow of blood with the oxygen and nutrients it needs starts to die. Stroke is also called a brain attack because of its sudden onset. Like a heart attack, a brain attack requires emergency response and treatment.

 

 

Preventable

Brain attack is the most preventable medical catastrophe. The best way to prevent a brain attack is to reduce the risk factors causing them. Stroke risk factors that can be controlled through medical care and lifestyle changes include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease (particularly irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation)
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  • Smoking
  • Hypercholesterolemia (blood cholesterol level greater than 200 mg)
  • Alcohol use (more than 2 drinks per day raises blood pressure)
  • Being overweight

 

Knowing the Warning Signs

  • Sudden onset of one-sided weakness
  • Numbness or paralysis
  • Blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Sudden severe or unexplained headache.

Getting emergency care within the "golden hour" hour of the start of a stroke can prevent disability and death. Unfortunately, most people don't get help quickly enough.

If a person has trouble speaking, smiling, or moving an arm or leg on one side or shows signs of SUDDEN confusion, trouble walking or seeing and severe headache, it could be a stroke.

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, think F.A.S.T.:

Face -- ask the person to smile.  Does one side of the face droop?

Arms -- ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?

Speech -- ask the  person to repeat a simple sentence.  Are the words slurred?  Can the person repeat the sentence correctly?

Time:  If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.  Call 911 immediately.  Brain cells are dying.

 The faster you get treatment, the greater the chances are for a full recovery.

 INI Rockford | F-A-S-T Call 911 at any signs of a Stroke