WHAT IS A STROKE?
A stroke is sometimes called a brain attack. A stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying oxygen to the brain becomes clogged, bursts, or leaks and disrupts the blood flow to part of the brain. When the brain does not get enough blood and oxygen, the cells begin to die within minutes, and the parts of the body controlled by these cells cannot function. A stroke may cause a range of symptoms including difficulty in moving the arms and legs; difficulty in speaking or understanding speech; inability to read and/or write; loss of vision; difficulty in swallowing; dizziness; confusion; and emotional changes; depending on which portion of the brain is affected and how much of the brain is injured.
WHAT IS A TIA?
A "TIA", or transient ischemic attack, is sometimes called a mini-stroke. It is caused by a clot temporarily blocking an artery to the brain. The symptoms may be the same as those of a stroke. Unlike a stroke, the symptoms of TIA resolve completely within one hour or less.
WATCH ALAN'S VIDEO ABOUT
HIS STROKE >>
If you, or someone you love are experiencing symptoms of a stroke or TIA, call 911 and ask to be taken to the closest hospital immediately.
DO NOT WAIT!
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE OR TIA?
One quarter of stroke survivors will have another stroke within five years. It is important to know the signs and symptoms so you or a family member or caregiver can seek immediate treatment. Symptoms that may signal a stroke include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body
- Sudden loss of vision, particularly in only one eye
- Sudden confusion
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, difficulty walking
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
IT'S IMPORTANT TO ACT F.A.S.T.
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/she repeat the sentence correctly?
TIME: If the person shows ANY of these symptoms, time is important.
CALL 911 immediately!
WE ARE A "GET WITH THE GUIDELINES" HOSPITAL
York Hospital is one of only seven hospitals in the state of Maine to be recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association as a participating "Get with the Guidelines-Stroke" health care institution. We have taken a proactive approach to ensuring new protocols have been put in to place to provide timely care for acute stroke patients and to educate the community on the risks and signs of stroke.
TELE-STROKE SERVICES WITH MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
York Hospital is also the first hospital in Maine to partner with one of the most reputed national acute stroke treatment programs at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston through its innovative "Tele-Stroke" program. We are able to provide diagnosis and treatment including administration of intravenous t-PA, blood pressure control, management of intracerebral hemorrhage, intensive care, risk factor modification, and rehabilitation.
SUPPORT GROUP
York Hospital's Stroke Support Group offers survivors and family members a way to understand the effects of stroke and ways to enrich their lives. We recognize that a stroke affects the whole person and their loved ones. We are happy to offer this group as a forum to share experiences, to gain support for the journey and to become inspired to move forward after stroke. The group meets the 4th Monday of the month 10-11:30AM at the Heart Health Institute. For more information, please call (207) 351-3700 or e-mail hhi@yorkhospital.com.