Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. That’s why when it comes to stroke and saving your brain, you need the best. Our team of stroke experts powered with the latest technology delivers the most advanced and coordinated approach to treating strokes.
A stroke, or "brain attack," begins when a brain artery or an artery leading to the brain becomes blocked or bursts. This disrupts blood flow to a part of the brain. If blood cannot get to the brain, brain cells stop working and begin to die. Two million brain cells are lost for each minute blood flow is delayed to the brain.
You have three hours to seek treatment from the time you start to experience stroke symptoms. Treatment by stroke specialists within three hours gives you a greater chance for survival and decreased chance of becoming disabled.
A stroke can happen at any time. Use the BE FAST test to see if someone is having a stroke.
(B)ALANCE Is the person having trouble with balance or coordination?
(E)YES Is the person experiencing blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes?
(F)ACE Ask the person to smile. Check to see if one side of the face drops.
(A)RMS Ask the person to raise both arms. See if one arm drifts downward.
(S)PEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Check to see if words are slurred and if the sentence is repeated correctly.
(T)IME Time when the symptoms started, and call 911 immediately.
If you think someone is having a stroke, the first thing you should do is call 911. It is important to get to the medical help as quickly as possible. Remember: Most of these symptoms are a sudden onset.
Strokes are generally caused by risk factors that are ignored over time. The following risk factors can be controlled with the help of your provider.
However, there are some risks you can’t control, such as family history of stroke and age. If an immediate family member has a history of circulatory problems or stroke, you are at an increased risk. People age 50 and older are at a higher risk for stroke, but a stroke can occur at any age.
Talk to your MercyOne primary care provider to see what you can do to lower your risk of having a stroke.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. Every year, life changes in an instant for more than 800,000 Americans who have a stroke. However, a stroke can be treated successfully when recognized early – the sooner treatment is received, the less damage to the brain. Up to 80% of strokes are preventable.
Recovering from a stroke
Your care will be overseen by:
Brain Injury Alliance Iowa: 1-855-444-6443
American Stroke Association: 1-888-478-7653
Family Caregiver Alliance: 1-800-445-8106
National Aphasia Association: 1-800-992-4622
National Family Caregivers Association: 1-800-896-3650
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: 1-800-352-9424