What is a Stroke?


What is a Stroke?

Blood Flow Blocked in the Brain
courtesy of American Heart Association
A person can suffer a stroke when blood flow and oxygen are cut-off, cells can die and depending on the area, time and amount of the brain affected will determine the extent of disability. A STROKE is a life-or-death situation and needs immediate medical attention. Call 911!

Common terms to know:
Ischemic Stroke ~ The arteries to the brain become blocked and/or narrowed cutting off blood flow.
Hemorrhagic Stroke ~ The arteries to the brain can rupture and bleed.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) ~ This is a TEMPORARY interruption of blood flow to the brain.

Common Signs & Symptoms CAN include:
***Sudden numbness to the extremities, often affecting one side of the body.
***Sudden confusion and difficulty speaking.
***Difficulty walking and/or staying balanced.
***Sudden severe headache.

F.A.S.T. FACE, Ask the person to smile, is there facial droop?
ARMS, Can he raise his arms with no downward drift?
SPEECH, Are his words slurred?
TIME, Note the time of the first symptom and call 911 immediately.


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