What Is A Stroke?
A stroke occurs when a
blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is
clogged by a blood clot or other particle. When the brain's supply of
blood and oxygen are cut off, the nerve cells in the affected area
start to die within minutes. These dead brain cells aren't replaced.
This can result in brain damage and permanent problems, such as
numbness, speech problems or the loss of the use of an arm or leg.
Stroke Facts
- Every 45 seconds, someone across the nation has a stroke.
- An estimated 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this year. Of these, 150,000 of them will die.
- Stroke is the leading cause of death among Americans behind heart disease and all forms of cancer.
- Stroke is a leading cause of severe, long-term disability.