Face Stroke, Before it Faces You

1. Face Stroke, Before it Faces You Welcome

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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”

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

6. Mini-Stroke or TIA • Brief episodes of confusion • Difficulty speaking or understanding • Visual problems, dizziness or lossof balance • Warning signal for major ischemic stroke • 30% of strokes are preceded bymini-strokes • Call 9-1-1

7. 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!

8. Hemorrhagic Stroke • Bleeding in the brain caused by burst blood vessel or aneurysm • Sudden severe headache is a common sign • Can be treatedwith surgery

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

10. Signs of Stroke Any one of the warning signs is a reason to call 9-1-1. Sudden… • Numbness in the face, arm or leg • Slurred speech • Blurred vision • Dizziness or loss of balance • Severe headache 911

11. 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 andbegin treatment • Time saved is brain saved

12. 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 9-1-1.

13. 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

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

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

16. 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: www.healthymainewalks.org

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

18. Face Stroke • Learn stroke warning signs. • Talk with family and friends about warning signs and calling 9-1-1. • 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 9-1-1.

19. For More Information: • Local Contact: • Maine Cardiovascular Health Program email: dlouder@mcd.org www.healthymainepartnerships.org/mcvhp

20. Resources: • American Stroke Association (ASA) www.strokeassociation.org 1-888-4-STROKE • Brain Attack Coalition (BAC) www.stroke-site.org • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm • National Stroke Association (NSA) www.stroke.org 1-800-STROKES • Your Local Healthy Maine Partnership: Physical activity, nutrition and tobacco resources www.healthymainepartnerships.org