What is a stroke?
Strokes happen when blood supply to part of the brain is stopped or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from getting the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function properly. Strokes are a time-sensitive emergency as brain cells start to die in minutes without oxygen. The longer it takes to receive treatment the more brain damage can occur.
Are strokes fatal?
Within the first 30 days of having a stroke, 1 in 8 are fatal. 1 in 4 are fatal within the first year. Nonfatal strokes can leave you with permanent brain damage.
Are there different kinds of strokes?
Generally speaking, there are two kinds of strokes:
- Ischemic – Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke. They occur when a blood clot blocks an artery, therefore cutting off oxygen to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic – Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but tend to be more serious. These strokes result from a hemorrhage (burst blood vessel) in the brain. More than 60% of people who suffer a hemorrhagic stroke die within a year. Those that survive tend to be severely disabled.
Symptoms of a stroke are:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Is it possible for a child to have a stroke?
Strokes in children are incredibly rare. Only 2 in every 100,000 children are affected by strokes worldwide. Symptoms to look out for are:
- Seizures
- Speech impairment
- Paralysis
- Fever
If you think someone is having a stroke, you can help save their life by acting F.A.S.T
F: Face – Ask the person to smile. Check if one side of the face is drooping.
A: Arms – Ask the person to raise their arms. Check if one arm drifts down.
S: Speech – Can they repeat a simple phrase? Is their speech slurred?
T: Time – If they are exhibiting any of these symptoms seek emergency care immediately.
I recently visited Neighbors Emergency Center and the staff was amazing. They were fast, yet thorough. The nurse was wonderful. The facility was clean. The rest of the staff was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend the facility.
– Laura
