FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2009

 When Seconds Count: Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke

Stroke is a serious, life-threatening emergency in which every second counts for reducing damage to the brain. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a primary cause of long-term disability. About 600,000 new strokes occur in the United States each year.

The Illinois Council on Long Term Care, a state nursing home association, offers the following crucial information about recognizing the signs of a stroke, seeking immediate intervention and avoiding strokes.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, which is why it is often called a “brain attack.” There are two major kinds of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel or artery in the brain. About 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic; and
• Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds into the brain. About 20 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic.

Stroke can affect the entire body and lead to serious disability. The effects of a stroke can include paralysis, vision impairment, problems with thinking, problems with speaking, and emotional difficulties. Many people may need intensive therapy and rehabilitation after a stroke, and some have a hard time living independently.

It’s not always easy to recognize when someone is having a stroke. It might seem like the person just seems a bit dizzy or confused. Be alert for the following stroke symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

The National Stroke Association offers the following simple test, called “Act F.A.S.T.,” for determining if someone is having a stroke. The Council recommends that people memorize the following guidelines:

Face               Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms              Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech           Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he or she repeat the
                      sentence correctly?

Time               If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is extremely important. Call 911 and get the
                      person to the hospital as soon as possible.

Every second counts when someone is having a stroke. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. Immediate treatment can save people’s lives and enhance their chances for a successful recovery. Unfortunately, according to the National Stroke Association, most people don’t go to the emergency room until more than 24 hours after they experience stroke symptoms.

Here are some important lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of stroke:

• Keep your blood pressure under control. There are many medications that can help you achieve this important goal. High blood pressure is perhaps the biggest risk factor for stroke.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking can more than double your risk of having a stroke. Avoid secondhand smoke too.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fish, fruits and vegetables, beans, high-fiber grains and breads, and olive oil. Reduce your consumption of salt.
• Talk to your doctor about creating a safe and healthy exercise program.
• Know your cholesterol levels, and talk to your doctor about the proper use of medications.
• Limit your alcohol consumption. Having more than two drinks a day increases your risk of stroke.
• Take a daily aspirin or other medicines as advised by your doctor. 
• If you have diabetes, keep it under control. Diabetes causes destructive changes in the blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain. High blood glucose levels at the time of a stroke can lead to more severe and extensive brain damage, leading to higher levels of disability.

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The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional association of nearly 200 nursing facilities committed to quality residential health care in Illinois through a productive and responsible partnership between the private and public sectors. The Council represents more than 26,000 nursing home professionals serving more than 37,000 residents. Helpful information for seniors and families can be found at the Council’s Web site www.nursinghome.org.