Stroke Symptoms and Facts

Stroke is the sixth leading cause of death in Missouri. Prompt treatment for acute ischemic stroke reduces disability and improves outcomes.

What is Stroke?

Stroke is a sudden brain dysfunction due to a disturbance in brain circulation. The resulting impairments include but are not limited to paralysis, slurred speech and/or vision loss. The more time that passes before blood flow is restored, the more damage that is done to the brain.

There are two major kinds of stroke. Ischemic strokes account for over 80 percent to 87 percent of all strokes and are typically caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes account for the remaining strokes and are typically caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks or ruptures spilling blood into the brain.

* Symptoms

• Numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Vision trouble in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance

* Source: American Heart Association

Minutes matter. Call 911.