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Stroke
Information
(Know the signs - act in time)
What
is a Stroke?
A stroke,
sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when blood
flow to the brain is interrupted. When a stroke occurs, brain
cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop
getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.
What
causes a stroke?
There
are two major kinds of stroke. The first, called an ischemic
stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood
vessel or artery in the brain. About 80 percent of all strokes
are ischemic. The second, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, is
caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds
into the brain. About 20 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic.
What
disabilities can result from a stroke?
Although
stroke is a disease of the brain, it can affect the entire
body. The effects of a stroke range from mild to severe and
can include paralysis, problems with thinking, problems speaking
,and emotional problems. Patients may also experience pain
or numbness after a stroke.
Know
the Signs
Because
stroke injures the brain, you may not realize that you are
having a stroke. To a bystander, someone having a stroke may
just look unaware or confused. Stroke victims have the best
chance if someone around them recognized the symptoms and
acts quickly.
What
are the SYMPTOMS of a STROKE?
The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:
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Sudden
numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially
on one side of the body) |
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Sudden
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech |
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Sudden
trouble seeing in one or both eyes |
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Sudden
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination |
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Sudden
severe headache with no known cause |
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Did you know
that someone dies from a stroke every 3.3 minutes?
The Marquette General Neuroscience department at MGHS
is offering free education to employees of area businesses
about the warning signs of stroke. According to the
American Stroke Association, the best chance someone
has of surviving a stroke is if a bystander recognizes
the symptoms and calls 9-1-1.
See story, Stroke Watch Team
The
following businesses are participating in the Stroke
Awareness training offered by the Marquette General
Neuroscience department at MGHS.
Stroke Watch Team Members:
National City Bank, Peter White Library, Shopko, Econofoods,
Super One Foods, Menards, Wal Mart, Marq Tran,
Ishpeming Pioneer
Kiwanis,
Snyder Drugs, UPPCO
Marquette Senior Center, Monday Noon Kiwanis Club,
Cherry Creek School staff, Vandenboom School staff,
Salvation Army, Ishpeming; Family Care Doctor's
staff, Graveret Middle School staff, Bothwell Middle
School staff, Marquette Senior High School staff.
What
should a bystander do?
If
you believe someone is having a stroke - if he or she
suddenly loses the ability to speak, or move an arm
or leg on one side, or experiences facial paralysis
on one side - call 911 immediately.
Why
is there a NEED TO ACT FAST? Ischemic
strokes, the most common type of strokes, can be treated
with a drug called t-PA
that dissolves blood clots obstructing blood flow to
the brain. The window of opportunity to start treating
stroke patients is three hours, but to be evaluated
and receive treatment, patients need to get to the hospital
within 60 minutes.
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