What is a Stroke?

A stroke is when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted for any significant period of time. Blood flow through the brain supplies brain cells with the necessary oxygen and other nutrients needed to function properly. Without these nutrients, blood cells begin to die - this is a stroke. Another term for stroke is cerebrovascular accident - CVA.

The lightning bolt is the international symbol for a stroke. This symbol is appropriate because a stroke typically strikes an individual in an instant, just like a lightning strike. Sometimes there is no warning, other times there are recognizable symptoms that should never be ignored. These include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially occurring on only one side of the body
  
• Sudden confusion, or difficulty understanding or speaking
  
• Sudden change in vision - difficulty seeing in one or both eyes or double vision
  
• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or difficulty walking
  
• Sudden severe headache, without a known cause
  
  

Because a stroke happens suddenly and can progress quickly, it is important to access emergency care as soon as possible. There is treatment and medication that can be administered to lessen the effects of a stroke, if you get to the hospital, within the first few hours. Call 9-1-1 and try to note or remember the time that the symptoms appeared - it will help the emergency room team to make decisions.