A stroke is a medical emergency. Quick treatment could save the victim's life or greatly improve their chances of recovery. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 9-1-1!

It's important to get the best possible medical care immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke. The Hospital of Saint Raphael Stroke Team in New Haven is available 24 hours per day to provide the most sophisticated care possible.

What is a stroke?

Strokes occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or other particle. When blood flow is interrupted, the brain is deprived of oxygen. Nerve cells in the affected area die within minutes. This can lead to dysfunction in the rest of the body because the brain can no longer control those areas. These dead brain cells aren't replaced, so the devastating effects of a stroke are often permanent.

Saint Raphael's Stroke Team

Seconds count when your brain is under attack. That's why a team springs into action when stroke patients arrive in Saint Raphael's Emergency Department. The team includes everyone from neuro-interventional radiologists to special nurses and therapists, so patients receive complete, compassionate care to aid in their recovery. Team members:

• Quickly determine how severe the stroke is
• Evaluate whether the patient can benefit can benefit from sophisticated "clot-buster" drugs, which greatly improve the odds of recovery. These drugs must be given within three hours of the first symptom of stroke, plus patients must meet other health criteria.
• Initiate treatment based on each patient's individual circumstances

Stroke warning signs and symptoms
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of 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 headaches with no known cause

Often strokes are preceded by mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks. A person who has had a TIA is almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke. TIA symptoms are similar to those of an actual stroke, and should be treated with the same urgency: Dial 9-1-1.

Stroke facts and figures

• Every 53 seconds, someone has a stroke
• Stroke is responsible for 1 out of every 14.5 deaths annually
• 700,000 people suffer from a stroke nationally each year
• Every 3.3 minutes, someone dies from stroke
• The national costs each year for strokes are estimated at $45.3 billion

Stroke risk factors

• Older people have a greater risk, but younger people also have strokes
• Men have a higher risk than women
• A family history of stroke increases your risk
• African Americans have a much higher risk of death and disability from stroke. Hispanics and Asian-Pacific Islanders also have a greater risk.
• If you've already had a stroke, your risk of having another is greatly increased
• High blood pressure increases risk
• Smoking cigarettes increases risk. If you smoke cigarettes and take birth control pills, your risk increases dramatically
• Diabetics have a higher risk
• Heart disease increases your risk
• Experiencing a mini stroke or transient ischemic attack is a very important risk factor.

Reduce your stroke risks by:

• Don't smoke
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Keep your diet healthy and maintain good cholesterol levels
• Control your blood pressure
• If you are diabetic, maintain proper blood sugar levels

Other stroke resources

Hospital of Saint Raphael Stroke Support Group

For general information about stroke, call 1-888-4STROKE.
 
The American Stroke Association's "Stroke Connection" program provides resources and support to stroke survivors, their families and caregivers. For information on life after stroke, please call the Stroke Family "Warmline" at 1-800-553-6321.