WHAT IS A STROKE AND WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

About every 40 seconds, someone is having a stroke in the U.S. A stroke is a medical emergency, and must be treated as quickly as possible. When the blood supply to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, a stroke will happen.

ISCHEMIC STROKE

The most common of strokes is the ischemic stroke, which accounts for about 85% of all strokes. This type of stroke is caused by blood clots, which can form either in the arteries which connect to the brain, or in the blood vessels. Also, clots can be caused by fatty deposits within the arteries called plaque.

HEMORRHAGIC STROKE

Blood vessels in the brain can rupture and spill blood out between the brain and the skull. These ruptures can be caused by, hypertension, trauma, blood-thinning medications, and aneurysms (weakness in blood vessel walls).

Signs of stroke can be: loss of sight, being off balance, difficulty speaking, general weakness of the body, being confused of your surroundings, paralysis on one side of the body, and possibly death.

WHAT CAN I DO IF THIS HAPPENS?

Keep the person as calm as possible and call 911. Remember to stay on the line with the rescue team until authorized help arrives or they tell you to hang up.

The most effective way to prevent strokes is through maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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