Stroke is a brain attack, cutting off vital blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do – from speaking, to walking, to breathing. Symptoms of a stroke typically present as a sudden loss of motor function, as the brain suffers from a lack of oxygenated blood.
Most strokes occur when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. Some strokes can be caused by arteries rupturing when weak spots on the blood vessel wall break.
When the brain is not receiving enough oxygenated blood due to the rupture or blockage, brain cells begin to die. The faster you are able to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and treat the brain attack, the more likely it is you will be able to save somebody’s life.
Get help right away if any of the following symptoms come on suddenly, even if the symptoms don’t last.
Weakness: You may feel weakness, tingling or a loss of feeling on one side of your face or body.
Vision Problems: You may have sudden double vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Speech Problems: You may have sudden trouble talking, slurred speech or problems understanding others.
Headache: You may have a sudden, severe headache.
Movement Problems: You may experience dizziness, a feeling of spinning, a loss of balance, a feeling of falling, or blackouts.
If you have any of these symptoms of a stroke, call 911 and your doctor immediately to quickly treat an instance of brain attack. Hinsdale, Illinois is home to Adventist Hinsdale Hospital’s Stroke Certified Neurology Department, and provides patient care and treatment for stroke victims.