What to know, and what to do...

A  stroke is a disruption of blood flow to some part of the brain, that is serious enough to cause brain damage. 600,000 Americans suffer stroke each year. (American Heart Association, 2001 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update, Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 2000) Stroke is the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. Most victims are over 65.

Signals of Stroke:

·        Sudden numbness or weakness of an arm, a leg, or a part of the face, especially on only one side of the body

·        Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or inability to understand simple instructions, directions, or statements

·        Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

·        Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination

·        Sudden severe headache

If you suspect a victim is having or has had a stroke, call 911 immediately. Treatment now available can reduce or even stop the damage being done by a stroke. But time is of the essence, effective treatment requires prompt hospital attention.