Did you know that stroke has no age limits, and younger adults are increasingly affected by stroke and its risk factors? Strokes happen when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die.
Every minute counts when a stroke is suspected. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, when health care professionals remind the public that understanding the signs of a stroke are key to getting care.
Stroke affects about 800,000 people in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thankfully, Palm Beach County residents have two Palm Beach Health Network Comprehensive Stroke Centers at Delray and St. Mary’s medical centers, and three Primary Stroke Centers at Palm Beach Gardens, Good Samaritan and West Boca Medical centers.
Risk factors commonly associated in older adults, such as hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use and obesity are now being seen in younger stroke patients, according to the CDC.
The CDC also reports more than 87 percent of strokes in the U.S. are ischemic strokes, caused by a clot that cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain. These types of strokes are largely treatable if a patient gets to a hospital that can provide the right treatment in time.
The CDC offers a simple test to act FAST if you think someone may be having a stroke:
- Face – ask the person to smile, does one side of the face droop?
- Arms – can the person raise both arms? Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech – ask the person to repeat a simple phrase, is the speech slurred or strange?
- Time – if you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.
Also, note the time when the symptoms first appear, this helps health care providers determine the type of treatment needed.
Upcoming events for National Stroke Month in the Palm Beach Health Network:
Free Stroke Risk Assessment & Heart Matters Screening: May 9th @ Delray Medical Center from 8am-10am
Stroke Survivors Support Group: May 29th @ St. Mary’s Medical Center (repeats every 4th Wednesday monthly)
If you are interested in learning more about these events or to consult with a medical provider, call: 888-318-0764.
