Health New England | Health Matters | Wellness Guide 2019

10 ∞ Health & Wellness Guide | 2019 A Race Against Time Stroke is sometimes called a brain attack. That’s because it occurs much like a heart attack, in that it involves blocked blood flow. In the case of stroke, the brain’s blood supply gets cut off—usually when a blood clot lodges in an artery and blocks it. Other strokes happen when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain. When the brain’s blood flow is disrupted, its cells begin to die. Unless circulation is quickly restored, there could be perma- nent damage. Strokes can cause disability, such as walking, talking or memory prob- lems. They can even be fatal. Treatments at the hospital can in many cases minimize a stroke’s devastating effects. But they must be given quickly— within a few hours of when symptoms start. Know the Signs That’s why it’s so important to know what a stroke looks like—and to act quickly. Stroke symptoms come on suddenly. Check out the list of warning signs in the infographic at right, and call 911 immediately if you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else. Sometimes stroke symptoms last only a few minutes. But it’s still important to seek immediate help. The reason? It could be a warning stroke, or transient ischemic at- tack (TIA). A TIA could mean a much more serious stroke is on the way. However, treatments for people who’ve had a TIA may help reduce the risk of a full-blown stroke. Sources: National Stroke Association; Office on Women’s Health F.A.S.T. . . S. T. .S.T. AN EASY WAY TO REMEMBER THE SUDDEN SIGNS OF STROKE If someone shows any of these signs, call 911 right away. OTHER STROKE SIGNS Does one side of the face droop? Is it numb? Can they smile? Is the smile uneven? Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Can they correctly repeat a simple sentence? Is it slurred or hard to understand? Call 911 immediately, even if the signs go away. Note the time when the first signs appeared. It will help with treatment options. • Sudden numbness or weakness of a leg. • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding. • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination. • Sudden severe headache with no known cause. F ACE A RM S PEECH T IME Source: American Stroke Association STROKE