Each year, more than 795,000 people in the United States will suffer a stroke. Timely medical care and ongoing treatment greatly increase your chances of surviving and thriving after a stroke.
A stroke is caused when an obstruction such as a blood clot limits or blocks your brain’s blood supply. Without the oxygen and nutrient it receives through the bloodstream, brain cells can die within minutes. Emergency care is critical for receiving the medical care needed to survive a stroke and manage its effects.
Roughly 80% of strokes are ischemic, caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Clots can originate in the brain or travel from another part of your body, becoming lodged in the smaller blood vessels in the brain.
Some strokes are caused by stenosis, a condition where fatty deposits known as plaques accumulate on the walls of a blood vessel, narrowing them and acting as a clot.
Other strokes, known as hemorrhagic strokes, result from burst blood vessels in the brain. These are usually caused by high blood pressure, overuse of blood thinners or aneurysms.
Your chances of having a stroke can be increased due to a family history of stroke or heart disease, being overweight, tobacco use and high blood pressure.
Every moment counts when it comes to a stroke; the acronym FAST can help you remember and identify the primary symptoms of a stroke:
Strokes may also cause a sudden, severe headache, dizziness and altered consciousness. They may also result in blurred or darkened vision affecting one or both eyes and a loss of balance or coordination.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Our team of neurologists combines procedures to improve brain and circulatory health with rehabilitation services to aid in stroke recovery and reduce your risk of future strokes.