Face Stroke, Before it Faces You Welcome

Introduction Do you know a friend or relative who has had a stroke, or have you ever had a stroke yourself? Where in the body does a stroke happen?

Facts About Stroke 3rd leading cause of death and leading cause of adult disability in the United States Without treatment, most people who have a stroke will have moderate to severe impairment Stroke affects people of all ages

What is a stroke? Occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted Brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function Sometimes called a “brain attack”

Three Types of Strokes Mini-Stroke - or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA) Ischemic caused by blood clot Hemorrhagic caused by bleeding

Mini-Stroke or TIA Brief episodes of confusion Difficulty speaking or understanding Visual problems, dizziness or loss of balance Warning signal for major ischemic stroke 30% of strokes are preceded by mini-strokes Call 9-1-1

Ischemic Stroke Clot blocks flow of blood to brain Over 80% of strokes are ischemic Clot busting drugs must be given by a physician within 3 hours of symptom onset – TIME is vital!

Hemorrhagic Stroke Bleeding in the brain caused by burst blood vessel or aneurysm Sudden severe headache is a common sign Can be treated with surgery

Disability Loss of ability to: Walk Talk See Take care of oneself Read and write Drive

Signs of Stroke Any one of the warning signs is a reason to call Sudden… Numbness in the face, arm or leg Slurred speech Blurred vision Dizziness or loss of balance Severe headache

Go in an Ambulance Person having a stroke will be seen more quickly EMTs communicate with ER doctors ER can prepare for arrival EMTs can monitor condition and begin treatment Time saved is brain saved

Delay can be Deadly Patient delay is the largest reason why people do not get care as quickly as needed. Do not wait more than a few minutes— 5 at the most—to call

Why do we delay? Think symptoms are due to something else Afraid or unwilling to admit symptoms are serious Embarrassed about: –“Causing a scene” –Having a false alarm/bothering EMTs Do not understand need for getting to hospital fast

Uncontrollable Risk Factors Age Race/Ethnicity Family history of stroke or early heart disease Previous stroke, heart attack or other signs of heart disease

Controllable Risk Factors High Blood Pressure Smoking Diabetes Obesity High Cholesterol Physical inactivity

Lifestyle Changes Reduce intake of fatty foods and eat more fruits and vegetables Walk 30 minutes a day Exercise prevents stroke, heart disease and other conditions Check out:

Act Quickly! With any one of these symptoms… Call 911 Immediately!

Face Stroke Learn stroke warning signs. Talk with family and friends about warning signs and calling Talk to your doctor about stroke and heart attack risk and what to do to reduce your risk Watch for signs in friends and family and act quickly – call

For More Information: Local Contact: Maine Cardiovascular Health Program

Resources: American Stroke Association (ASA) STROKE Brain Attack Coalition (BAC) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) National Stroke Association (NSA) STROKES Your Local Healthy Maine Partnership: Physical activity, nutrition and tobacco resources