Neurological institute - Savannah, Georgia

A stroke is essentially a heart attack in the brain and occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off. Decreased blood flow and lack of oxygen can cause brain cells to die. Individuals with stroke symptoms should seek immediate emergency medical care to minimize their risk of serious disability or death.

Strokes are the nation's leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death.
The overall cost of stroke to the nation is $40 billion a year.
According to a study by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, most people are not aware of the symptoms of stroke or the possible risk factors involved.
Additional research by the same university reveals that the number of strokes in the United States is about 200,000 more than previously estimated. So instead of 500,000 strokes each year, it is more likely that there are around 700,000.
Strokes are most common in people age 75 and older.
Previous stroke victims have a high chance of experiencing a recurrent stroke that is often more disabling and deadly than the first.

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The is more the one type of stroke.

Ischemic - Involves a blockage of a blood vessel in the brain or neck. Ischemic strokes account for 80 percent of all strokes and are usually not fatal. They include cerebral thrombosis, in which a clot forms in an artery in the brain or leading to the brain, and cerebral embolism, in which a clot forms in another part of the body and is carried to the brain.

Hemorrhagic - Involves a bleeding into the brain or the area surrounding the brain when a defective artery bursts.

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Numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Confusion or difficulty speaking
Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
Dizziness
Difficulty walking or loss of balance and coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Nausea and/or vomiting

Many people aren’t aware that there are warning signs for strokes. One of the most common of these is a TIA (transient ischemic attack), or “mini-stroke.” A TIA occurs when there is a temporary interruption in blood flow to the brain. These strokes are short-lived but display the same symptoms as a regular stroke, only less severe. Medical attention should be sought for TIAs, as they can be indicative of an underlying problem.

Other warning signs to be aware of include sudden, severe headaches, aneurysms and small hemorrhages.

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The following factors increase an individual’s risk of experiencing stroke:

High blood pressure
Cigarette smoking
Heart disease
Diabetes
Arial fibrillation
Family history of stroke

A blockage of a blood vessel is the most frequent cause of stroke and is responsible for about 80 percent of the approximately 700,000 strokes in the United States each year. Another condition that places someone at risk for a stroke is carotid stenosis. This occurs when there is a narrowing of the wall in the carotid artery. This artery travels up the neck and carries blood into the brain. If small clots block the artery, debris or fatty plaque, a stroke may occur.

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The best way to prevent strokes is to manage your risk factors: smoking cessation, treatment of high blood pressure, and control of blood sugar levels among persons with diabetes. Additionally, physicians may prescribe aspirin, warfarin, or ticlopidine for some individuals.

Click here to learn about ways to prevent stroke occurrences.

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Click here to learn about treatment options for stroke.

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