STROKE EDUCATION AND SURVIVORS GROUP
ABOUT STROKE
About Stroke Cerebrovascular disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the supply of blood to the brain, causing limited or no blood flow to the affected areas. One such condition is stroke. A stroke can occur when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs and it starts to die.
TYPES OF STROKE
Ischemic Stroke (Clots)
An ischemic stroke is most common and is caused when a blood vessel inside the brain is clogged or blocked off.
Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeds)
This is caused when a blood vessel in the brain bursts causing blood to leak into the brain tissue and is called an intracerebral hemorrhage. Another type of hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened vessel leaks into the area around the brain and is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
This is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Since it doesn’t cause permanent damage, it might seem like no big deal. But ignoring it is a big mistake because a TIA may signal a full-blown stroke ahead.
With strokes, it pays to BE FAST
Two million brain cells die each minute after a stroke occurs. The sooner you recognize the symptoms and seek help, the better. Every minute from stoke to treatment counts. This is why we say, with stroke-time equals brain.
Balance: The sudden onset of loss of balance
- Eyes: A change in eyesight—blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision
- Face: When you smile one side of the face does not move
- Arms: The arm doesn’t move or it drifts when you try to move it
- Speech: Trouble producing or understanding speech (for instance, slurring your words)
- Time: If you see any of these symptoms, call 911. The key to effective stroke treatment is early symptom recognition and getting to the hospital for treatment.
EN 
ES