Brain attack stroke is a medical emergency that affects over 795,000 Americans each year. It is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the US. Stroke is treatable if emergency medical services are contacted within 3 hours of symptom onset to quickly transport the patient to a primary stroke center for diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing the signs of stroke using the FAST acronym and calling 911 immediately can help save brain tissue and potentially limit disability from stroke.

1. Brain Attack Stroke is a Medical Emergency

2. Stroke is a medical emergency! Every 45 seconds someone in the US experiences a stroke Each year more than 795,000 people experience a stroke Stroke is the 3 rd leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability Stroke is treatable within 3 hours of symptom onset EMS transport shortens time to hospital care EMS is the first medical contact for over 50% of stroke patients

3. STROKE IS TREATABLE Early recognition of stroke signs and symptoms Timely access to 9-1-1 Deployment of informed EMS personnel Delivery to a primary stroke center Time Lost is Brain Lost

4. What is a stroke? People experience stroke when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted or severely limited, cutting off oxygen and nutrients from brain tissue. Brain cells start dying minutes after a stroke. There are two types of strokes: Ischemic stroke , caused when blood clots cause the brain to get too little blood Hemorrhagic stroke , when there is too much blood within the skull. Caused by hypertension (uncontrolled high blood pressure), aneurysms or head injuries

5. What are the warning signs of stroke? Think F.A.S.T. Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden, severe headaches with no known cause

6. F ace

7. A rm

8. peech S

9. T ime

10. Upon arrival at Primary Stroke Center You can expect an expert team of physicians, nurses and other health care providers to further evaluate your symptoms allowing for a quick diagnosis and early treatment

11. Upon arrival at the Primary Stroke Center You can expect to have a CT Scan of your brain to help diagnose a stroke. - Ischemic - Hemorrhagic - TIA

12. Last Known Well Knowing when the person having a stroke was last known to be well is important for the physicians and nurses in determining treatment There is a 3 hour window of time from when the patient was last known well to the time we can administer the clot buster drug, t-PA

13. Post Stroke Therapy Riverside has a Rehabilitation Team to help in your journey of recovery. Physical Therapists Occupational Therapists Speech Therapists Rehabilitation Unit Monthly Support Group

14. Are you at risk for stroke?

15. Things you can change… Lifestyle Modifications Alcohol Smoking Weight / Inactivity Take medications as directed

16. Things you can’t change… Age – The chances of having a stroke increase with age. Two-thirds of all strokes happen to people over age 65. Gender – Males have a slightly higher stroke risk than females Race – African Americans have a higher stroke risk than other racial groups Diabetes – People with diabetes have a higher stroke risk. This may be due to circulation problems that diabetes can cause Family history – If you have a family member who has had a stroke, TIA, diabetes or sickle cell anemia, you have a higher stroke risk Personal history of stroke – TIAs are strong predictors of stroke. If you have had a stroke or TIA, you have a chance of a stroke in next five years.

17. Know your numbers Risk Factor High Risk Caution Low Risk Blood Pressure Greater than 140/90 Or I don’t know 120-139/80/89 Less than 120/80 Cholesterol Greater than 240 or I don’t know 200-239 Less than 200 Diabetes Yes Borderline No Smoking I still smoke I’m starting to quit I am a non-smoker Atrial Fibrillation I have an irregular heartbeat I don’t know My heartbeat is not irregular Diet I am overweight I am slightly overweight My weight is healthy Exercise I am a couch potato I exercise sometimes I exercise regularly I have stroke in my family Yes Not sure No

18. Things to remember Stroke is treatable Face – Arm – Speech – Time (F.A.S.T.) 9-1-1 Know your numbers Time is Brain