When Your Brain Attacks:
Are You in Danger of Having a Stroke?

brainstroke

Did you know that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults? In fact, about 700,000 new strokes are reported in the U.S. each year, but few people know how to prevent one.

Stroke Is a Serious Cardiovascular Disease

Sometimes called a “brain attack,” a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted causing brain cells to start dying because the oxygen and nutrients they need to function are being denied.

Treatments Reduce Damage

It’s so important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and get to a hospital quickly. In fact, getting treatment within 60 minutes of a stroke can prevent disability.

What causes a stroke?

About 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic strokes caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel or artery in the brain. The other 20 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes caused by a blood vessel in the brain breaking and bleeding.

What disabilities can result from a stroke?

Although a stroke is a disease of the brain, its effects on the entire body can range from mild to severe, including pain, numbness, paralysis, problems with thinking, problems with speaking and emotional problems.

What are the signs of a stroke?

To a bystander, someone having a stroke may just look unaware or confused, but recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly is key.

  • 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

Recognize a Stroke With F.A.S.T.

Few Americans know the symptoms of stroke. Learning them – and acting fast when they occur – could save your life or the life of a loved one. This simple test will help you detect stroke symptoms and act 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. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
  • Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 or get to the nearest stroke center or hospital.

You can also ask the person to stick out his or her tongue. If the tongue is crooked, shifted to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

- Source: The American Stroke Association; the National Stroke Association; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Copyright ©2008 Star Marketing and Administration, Inc. Information in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from Starmark. The articles contained within this newsletter are not a promise of coverage and are not meant to replace professional medical advice or service. Personal health issues should be discussed with your physician. Refer to your Certificate of Insurance or Policy for benefit information.