Anyone can suffer a stroke, but there are several factors that put you at higher risk. Family health history, blood pressure and ethnicity are all factors that impact your chances of having a stroke.
What happens when you have a stroke?
Strokes happen when a blood vessel in your brain bursts or is blocked, starving your brain of oxygen. Because brain damage can occur within minutes of a stroke, seeking emergency medical care right away is vital and can decrease your risk of long-term effects or death.
What are the signs of a stroke?
The symptoms of a stroke include face drooping, slurred or confused speech, and weakness in one arm. Call 911 right away if you or someone around you shows any of these signs. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Where can you go for stroke care?
The first step to stroke care is calling 911 immediately if someone displays the signs of a stroke. Even if you're not positive that a stroke is the cause, seek medical care without delay.
Some emergency rooms, like those at TriPoint and West medical centers, are certified by the Joint Commission as Primary Stroke Centers. Lake Health's Primary Stroke Centers offer a full range of care by a staff of experts, including Emergency Department physicians, neurologists and specially trained nurses who are dedicated to quick response, advanced treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.
