{"id":1785,"date":"2008-05-01T10:29:05","date_gmt":"2008-05-01T14:29:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/?p=1785"},"modified":"2008-05-01T10:29:05","modified_gmt":"2008-05-01T14:29:05","slug":"time-is-prevention-know-the-signs-of-stroke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2008\/05\/01\/time-is-prevention-know-the-signs-of-stroke\/","title":{"rendered":"Time is Prevention: Know the Signs of Stroke"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Know the Signs of Stroke<\/p><\/div>\n

In observance of Stroke Awareness Month (May), Cooper University Hospital reminds you that stroke \u2013 or \u201cbrain attack\u201d \u2013 is a medical emergency that requires prompt and immediate action. If you suspect a stroke, don\u2019t wait. Call 911 immediately.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die. The parts of the body controlled by these oxygen-starved brain cells are then affected, resulting in possible paralysis, memory loss, speech difficulties or even death.<\/p>\n

When a blood vessel is blocked by a clot, the event is called an ischemic stroke. About 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic. Clots form when plaque (cholesterol and other substances) builds up on the inner lining of an artery. Sometimes clots can be caused by a condition called atrial fibrillation (commonly called A-Fib), in which the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, causing blood to pool and form a clot.<\/p>\n

When a blood vessel inside the brain bursts and leaks blood into surrounding tissue, the event is called a hemorrhagic stroke. An aneurysm (weakened area in the artery wall) can cause a hemorrhagic stroke, but frequently the cause is high blood pressure, which stresses the artery walls to the point of rupture. A hemorrhagic stroke is more likely to be fatal.<\/p>\n

\u201cHypertension (high blood pressure) is so damaging to the walls of blood vessels in the brain that stroke can occur,\u201d said Thomas R. Mirsen, M.D., Director of the Cooper Stroke Program.<\/p>\n

Like high blood pressure, other risk factors for stroke, such as cigarette smoking, obesity, undesirable levels of blood cholesterol, coronary artery disease and diabetes, can be controlled or managed. By having health problems diagnosed and treated early, and by living a healthy lifestyle, you can dramatically reduce your risk of stroke. That\u2019s especially important considering that stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States (only heart disease and cancer cause more deaths annually) and also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability among adults.<\/p>\n

Know the Signs of Stroke<\/strong>
\nStroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment of a stroke could mean the difference between life and death. Early treatment also can minimize damage to the brain and reduce disability. Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke can make it possible to get medical help right away. Do not wait to see if symptoms pass or worsen. Know the signs and act fast.<\/p>\n

The signs and symptoms of stroke usually occur suddenly; frequently there is more than one.<\/p>\n

Know the signs:<\/strong><\/p>\n