What is a stroke?

Stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack. It is a cerebrovascular disease that occurs when the flow of blood does not fully reach the nerve cells of the brain. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It causes more serious, long-term disability for adults than any other disease. The time-to-treatment can mean the difference between life, death or rehabilitation for a victim.

• Ischemic strokes involve blood clots that block arteries in the brain depriving them of oxygen. Up to 85 percent of strokes are ischemic.
• Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 17 percent of strokes. They result from a weakened blood vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain. Long-term high blood pressure can weaken blood vessels in the brain and eventually cause this type of stroke.
• Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). TIAs are minor or warning strokes that last only for a few minutes or hours. They increase stroke risk 10 times. They are a medical emergency and should never be ignored.

The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. That's why it's important to get to the Emergency Care Center at the first sign of symptoms. Brain injury may be reversed or minimized with early treatment.