Stroke Awareness Month
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: June 3, 2010
A stroke is defined as a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, potentially causing damage or even death. Up to 80% of strokes are preventable - if you know when to act.
Freeman Neurologist Dr. Ahmed Robbie said, "If you have a sudden onset of numbness on one side of your body, face, arms or legs, speech - slurred speech, or difficulty understanding language or producing the words."
Dr. Robbie says that while symptoms vary, a stroke is marked by a very sudden onset. He adds it's critical to seek medical attention. "Very important to go to the hospital as soon as the event strikes. Treatment is available that can improve the outcome."
Especially in the first three hours. There are several drugs that can help, including clot busting medication and blood thinner. Robbie points out that older patients aren't the only victims. "Young people with an irregular heart beat, diabetes, hypertension, increased cholesterol - those risk factors."
Freeman Neurologist Dr. Ahmed Robbie said, "If you have a sudden onset of numbness on one side of your body, face, arms or legs, speech - slurred speech, or difficulty understanding language or producing the words."
Dr. Robbie says that while symptoms vary, a stroke is marked by a very sudden onset. He adds it's critical to seek medical attention. "Very important to go to the hospital as soon as the event strikes. Treatment is available that can improve the outcome."
Especially in the first three hours. There are several drugs that can help, including clot busting medication and blood thinner. Robbie points out that older patients aren't the only victims. "Young people with an irregular heart beat, diabetes, hypertension, increased cholesterol - those risk factors."
