A stroke is a true medical emergency. Strokes happen when a blood vessel in your brain is blocked or bursts, depriving the brain of oxygen. Just as oxygen-starved heart muscle dies during a heart attack, brain damage can occur within minutes of a stroke. Could you spot a stroke?
Stroke is the nation’s third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. The good news? Early diagnosis and treatment can help lessen a stroke’s long-term effects and increase the chances of survival.
Take just a minute to learn the signs of a stroke, and you’ll be better prepared to spot a stroke in a loved one or even yourself:
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Early treatment saves lives
Stroke patients have effective treatment options available to them, but time is of the essence. For example, a clot-busting drug called Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) must be given within 3 hours of a stroke’s first signs and symptoms. The Primary Stroke Centers at Lake Health are equipped to rapidly assess stroke patients and, if eligible, administer tPA. We’re dedicated to quick response, advanced treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation for stroke patients.
