May Is National Stroke Awareness Month

Do you know that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Nebraska? In addition, it is the No. 1 cause of preventable adult disability.

Stroke kills almost 130,000 Americans annually. That equates to one in every 20 deaths! Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and someone dies from stroke every four minutes!

A stroke is a brain attack and like a heart attack, a stroke requires emergency response and treatment. Knowing your risk factors and the symptoms of a stroke can save your life!

Balance – sudden onset of balance difficulties

Eye – sudden onset of vision problems (loss of vision, double vision)

Face – facial drooping, loss of sensation on one side of the face

Arms – weakness or changes in sensation on one arm (or leg)

Speech – inability to speak or understand, slurred or garbled speech

Time – Time to call 911

There may be treatment available to reverse or stop the progression of symptoms. These treatments are time sensitive, so if you or your loved ones experience symptoms of a stroke, B.E. F.A.S.T. and call 911. 

80% of strokes are preventable. Reducing even one risk can greatly lower your chances of having a stroke. Modifiable risk factors for stroke include:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Sleep apnea
• Artery disease
• Heart disease
• Drug abuse
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity

If you have any of these risk factors, talk to you doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk of stroke.

Nebraska Methodist Hospital and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital are certified as Primary Stroke Centers by the Joint Commission. Methodist Women’s Hospital is certified as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital by the Joint Commission.