Recognize the Warning Signs of a Stroke

According to the National Stroke Organization, each year nearly 800,000 people will experience a stroke. Every four minutes someone dies from a stroke, but 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in adults in the United States.[1] There are three different types of strokes, which have similar symptoms but different treatments. During a stroke the blood supply to a portion of the brain is disrupted, and the cells are unable to receive oxygen. Without immediate restoration of the blood supply, the brain cells are permanently damaged, resulting in significant physical or mental disability.[2] Recognizing the symptoms and risk factors are essential to receiving prompt medical intervention when a stroke occurs.