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Previously known as cerebrovascular accident. Stroke is a sudden impairment loss of blood flow to the brain. It interrupts or diminishes oxygen supply to the brain, causing serious damage or necrosis in brain tissues.

Due to a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain because the walls of the arteries become weakened from hypertension, plaque, or [pic] diabetes

What is a stroke?

Types of Strokes

Ischemic

Blocks arteries and cut off blood flow to the brain. It can occur in two ways:

Embolitic: a clot somewhere in the body forms and travels through the blood stream to the brain. This blood clot will eventually find a vessel small enough to block the passage and lodge itself there.

Thrombotic: blood flow is diminished because there is a blockage in the vessels supplying the brain.

Hemorrhagic

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the United States and the most common cause of neurological disability.

Stroke

REMINDER:

• Don’t wait to see if symptoms go away.

• Every minute counts.

• The longer a stroke is untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.

• You need to be treated within three hours after the first symptoms appear for best possible outcome.

• Watch the person carefully while waiting for emergency assistance.

It is vital to act FAST and call 9-1-1 immediately with any signs of a stroke.

Warning Signs

Note the following when you think you or someone you know may be having a stroke. It is important to note the time of onset because that will help to determine treatment.

. Trouble with walking. You may stumble or experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.

. Trouble with speaking and understanding. You may experience confusion. You may slur your words or have difficulty understanding speech.

. Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg, especially on one side of your body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke. Similarly, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.

. Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, or you may see double.

Headache. A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate you're having a stroke.

Stroke Myths:

Myth: Stroke is unpreventable

Fact: Stroke is largely preventable

Myth: Stroke cannot be treated

Fact: Stroke requires emergency treatment

Myth: Stroke only strikes the elderly

Fact: Stroke can happen to anyone

Myth: Stroke recovery only happens a few months

Fact: Stroke recovery continues throughout life

Modifiable risks factors fall into two categories: lifestyle risk factors and medical risk factors. Lifestyle factors can be changed, and medical risk factors can be treated.

Non-modifiable risk factors are those that a person has no control over.

• Age-55 or older

• Gender

• Race-African Americans are at highest risk

• Family History-men are at higher risk than women

• Previous Stroke or TIA

• Fibromuscluar Dysplasia

• Patent Forame Ovale (hole in the heart)

• High blood pressure

• Cigarette smoking

• High Cholesterol

• Atherosclerosis

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Physical Inactivity

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infection or abnormal heart rhythm.

• Use of some birth control pills or hormone therapies that include estrogen.

• Alcohol Use

• Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines.

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Modifiable

Non-Modifiable

Who is at Risk?

Factors that may increase the risk include:

Anyone can have a stroke no matter the age, gender, or race. However, the chances of stroke are increased with certain risk factors or criteria that cause a stroke. The good news is that 80% of strokes can be prevented with proper health care management.

Protect Yourself Against Stroke

Eat plenty of fruits and green or yellow vegetables.

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. Eat foods containing potassium

At least 4,100 mg of potassium daily suggests a decrease in the chances of stroke. Good sources of potassium include baked potatoes with skin, plain yogurt, cantaloupes and honeydew melons, halibut and tuna steaks, grapefruit, orange or prune juice, bananas and molasses.

Coping and Support

• Don’t be hard on yourself.

• Get out of the house even if it’s hard

• Join a support group

• Let friends and family know what you need

• Know that you are not aliends and family know what you need

Know that you are not alone

Communication Challenges

• Practice will help

• Relax and take you time

• Say it your way

• Use props and communication aids

Risk Scorecard Results

High Risk ≥ 3

Caution 4-6: work on reducing risks

Low Risk 6-8: You’re doing well

STROKE RISK ASSESSMENT

Each box that applies to you equals 1 point. Total your score at the bottom of each column and compare the stroke risk levels on the back

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|RISK FACTOR |HIGH RISK |CAUTION |LOW RISK |

|Blood Pressure | >140/90 or unknown | 120-139/80-89 | 240 or unknown | 200-239 | ................
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