More than 700,000 Americans will suffer a stroke—or “brain attack”—this year. Of this number, 200,000 will be recurrent strokes. A stroke can injure the brain like a heart attack can injure the heart. It occurs when part of the brain doesn’t get the blood it needs. Stroke prevention is still the best medicine, learn about stroke risk factors.
Stroke Is a Medical Emergency
THINK FAST:
F – Facial Droop
A – Arm or Leg Weakness
S – Slurred Speech
T – Time to call 9-1-1
Potentially life saving medication can be administered within 3 hours of the sudden symptom onset. Don’t wait!
What Is a Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted. An ischemic stroke is caused by either a clot or a blocked artery. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured artery and blood leaks into the brain.
When blood flow is interrupted to an area, the brain cells of that area die. When brain cells die, they release chemicals that set off a ‘chain reaction’ which can damage surrounding cells. Without PROMPT medical treatment, the surrounding area will also die.
Each area of the brain controls specific abilities of the body including speech, movement and memory. After a stroke, the abilities of the body controlled by the area of brain cells that die are impaired or lost.
Find out if you are at risk for a stroke.
The Memorial Stroke Center is certified by the Joint Commission. The commission, which seeks to improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public, is the oldest and largest standards-setting body in health care. It certifies that approved programs like the Memorial Stroke Center at Long Beach Memorial follow national standards and guidelines to significantly improve outcomes of stroke patients.
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center has joined with the “Get with the Guidelines—Stroke”program from the American Stroke Association to provide the most current and effective procedures to improve the overall quality of care for first-time stroke patients and treatments for those who have a history of stroke. The program employs proven, evidence-based treatment guidelines—including those developed by the American Stroke Association, American Heart Association and Brain Attack Coalition.
Learn more about Get with the Guidelines Program.
