NRH's Stroke/Young Stroke Program
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain. This lack of blood flow causes brain cells in the area to die due to lack of oxygen supply and nutrients required for the cells to function.
There are two main types of strokes:
- Ischemic: Occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow in an artery in the brain. This accounts for nearly 80% of all strokes.
- Hemorrhagic: Occurs when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into or around the brain. This accounts for approximately 20% of all strokes
Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke
If you see or have any one or more of these symptoms, call for emergency assistance
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden difficulty with speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden onset of confusion
- Sudden and significant vision changes in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty with walking, loss of balance or dizziness
- Sudden severe headaches with no known cause
- Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious long-term disabilities in adults (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- About 600,000 new strokes are reported in the US each year, with 145,000 deaths related to strokes yearly (Nathional Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- According to the American Stroke Association, the estimated direct and indirect cost of Stroke in 2005 was $56.8 billion
- The length of time to recover from a stroke depends on its severity. 50-70% of stroke survivors regain functional independence, but 15-30% are permanently disabled (American Stroke Association)