Face Stroke, Before it Faces You

Welcome

Introduction

Do you know a friend or relative who has had a stroke, or have you ever had a stroke yourself?

Where in the body does a stroke happen?

Facts About Stroke

• 3rd leading cause of death and leading cause of adult disability in the United States

• Without treatment, most people who have a stroke will have moderate to severe impairment

• Stroke affects people of all ages

What is a stroke?

• Occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted

• Brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function

• Sometimes called a “brain attack”

Three Types of Strokes

• Mini-Stroke - or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA)

• Ischemic caused by blood clot

• Hemorrhagic caused by bleeding

Mini-Stroke or TIA

• Brief episodes of confusion

• Difficulty speaking or understanding

• Visual problems, dizziness or lossof balance

• Warning signal for major ischemic stroke

• 30% of strokes are preceded bymini-strokes

• Call 9-1-1

Ischemic Stroke

• Clot blocks flow of blood to brain

• Over 80% of strokes are ischemic

• Clot busting drugs must be given by a physician within 3 hours of symptom onset – TIME is vital!

Hemorrhagic Stroke

• Bleeding in the brain caused by burst blood vessel or aneurysm

• Sudden severe headache is a common sign

• Can be treatedwith surgery

DisabilityLoss of ability to:• Walk

• Talk

• See

• Take care of oneself

• Read and write

• Drive

Signs of StrokeAny one of the warning signs is a reason to call 9-1-1.

Sudden…• Numbness in the face, arm or leg• Slurred speech• Blurred vision• Dizziness or loss of balance• Severe headache

Go in an Ambulance• Person having a stroke will be seen more

quickly

• EMTs communicate with ER doctors

• ER can prepare for arrival

• EMTs can monitor condition andbegin treatment

• Time saved is brain saved

Delay can be Deadly

• Patient delay is the largest reason why people do not get care as quickly as needed.

• Do not wait more than a few minutes—5 at the most—to call 9-1-1.

Why do we delay?• Think symptoms are due to something else• Afraid or unwilling to admit symptoms

are serious• Embarrassed about:

– “Causing a scene” – Having a false alarm/bothering EMTs

• Do not understand need for getting to hospital fast

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Age

• Race/Ethnicity

• Family history of stroke or early heart disease

• Previous stroke, heart attack or other signs of heart disease

Controllable Risk Factors• High Blood Pressure

• Smoking

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• High Cholesterol

• Physical inactivity

Lifestyle Changes

• Reduce intake of fatty foods and eat more fruits and vegetables

• Walk 30 minutes a day

• Exercise prevents stroke, heart disease and other conditions

Check out: www.healthymainewalks.org

Act Quickly!

With any one of these symptoms…

Call 911 Immediately!

Face Stroke

• Learn stroke warning signs.• Talk with family and friends about warning signs

and calling 9-1-1.• Talk to your doctor about stroke and heart attack

risk and what to do to reduce your risk• Watch for signs in friends and family and act

quickly – call 9-1-1.

For More Information:

• Local Contact:

• Maine Cardiovascular Health Program

email: dlouder@mcd.org

www.healthymainepartnerships.org/mcvhp

Resources:• American Stroke Association (ASA)

www.strokeassociation.org 1-888-4-STROKE

• Brain Attack Coalition (BAC)www.stroke-site.org

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm

• National Stroke Association (NSA)www.stroke.org 1-800-STROKES

• Your Local Healthy Maine Partnership: Physical activity, nutrition and tobacco resources www.healthymainepartnerships.org