Stroke
Stroke is the number-one disabling disease in the U.S., yet many Americans don’t know the basic signs of a stroke and why it’s important to seek treatment quickly.

What is stroke?
Stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. The brain needs the oxygen and nutrients supplied by the blood in order to function. Even a brief interruption in blood supply can cause problems. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood and oxygen.

The consequences of dead brain cells can include impaired movement, speech, thinking and memory, bowel and bladder control, eating, emotional control, and other vital body functions.

What are the most common symptoms of stroke?
Each individual may experience symptoms differently. Common signs of a stroke include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
• Sudden problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision
• Sudden dizziness or problems with balance
• Sudden problems with movement
• Sudden, severe headaches with no other known cause

If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 (or your local ambulance service) immediately. Treatment is most effective when it is started immediately.

Importance of immediate medical care
New treatments, such as clot-dissolving agents (drugs that can break-up the blockage that prevents blood flow) can help decrease the damage that a stroke may cause. Many of these treatments, however, work only if given quickly—between 2-6 hours after the stroke begins.

Unfortunately many stroke victims do not know the signs of a stroke or they ignore the signs and wait nearly 24 hours before seeking medical help. Getting help quickly is imperative; delays in seeking medical care can severely limit the ability of your healthcare providers to reverse damage caused by the stroke.