Stroke and Brain Attack
Stroke Information for Patients
Harold Adams MD, Patricia Davis MD, James Torner PhD, Karla Grimsman RN, Jeff Vande Berg MS
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Stroke is called a "Brain Attack". Stroke deprives the brain
of oxygen-carrying blood, causing brain cells to die. Stroke affects
550,000 Americans each year. It is the third leading cause of death
with a total of 150,000 deaths each year. It is the leading cause of
severe disability with a total cost to society of 30 billion dollars
per year in the US alone.
Types of Stroke
- Ischemic stroke, caused by blood clots which block the
flow of blood to the brain. Ischemic stroke accounts for about 84%
of all strokes.
- Hemorrhagic stroke occur when blood vessels burst,
causing bleeding within or around the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes
account for about 16% of all strokes.
Risk Factors
These risk factors can be modified in order to decrease your risk
of stroke:
- High Blood Pressure
- Smoking
- Elevated cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat)
- Heavy alcohol use
The following are personal attributes that have a higher risk of
stroke:
- Age: The incidence of stroke more than doubles each
decade after the age of 55.
- Gender: The incidence of stroke is approximately 30%
higher for men than women.
- Race: African-Americans have greater-than 60% higher
risk of death or disability from stroke than do whites.
Warning Signs of Stroke
- Sudden onset of numbness or weakness on one side of the body
such as the face, arm or leg
- Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, blurred vision, or
double vision
- Sudden, severe headache
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Dizziness (usually a sensation of spinning)
If any of these symptoms occur call 911 immediately or go to
the nearest emergency room. You can also call the stroke hotline at
1-800-678-7653. Emergerncy treatment has the potential to help
prevent serious brain damage.
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