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The Facts on Stroke Presented by:

Sandra Hoelzel, RN, MSN, CRRN RMC Stroke Care Coordinator

October 4, 2011

Stroke Statistics

According to the American Stroke Association,• Each year about 795,000 people experience a new

or recurrent Stroke. About 610,000 of these are first attacks and 185,000 are recurrent attacks.

• On average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a Stroke.

• On average, every 3 to 4 minutes someone in the United States dies of a Stroke.

• Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and the 2nd leading cause of death globally.

EVERY

MINUTE TWO MILLION

BRAIN CELLS DIE DURING

A STROKE!!

Stroke is a “Brain Attack”

• Stroke happens in the brain rather than the heart.• Stroke is an emergency just like a heart attack.• If you think someone is having a stroke call 911

immediately!!!!

What is a Stroke?

• A Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel breaks causing brain cells in the area to die.

• Brain cells do not re-grow.• The problems a person may have after a stroke,

like being unable to move one side of the body normally, numbness on one side of the body, speech or vision problems are usually because brain cells have died due to a stroke.

Risk Factors for Stroke

What Stroke risk factors can’t be changed?• Age• Heredity• Sex• Prior Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Stroke

Risk Factors for Stroke

What Stroke risk factors can be changed?• High blood pressure• Cigarette smoking• Diabetes• Carotid or other artery disease• Atrial fibrillation• Other heart disease• Sickle cell disease• High cholesterol• Poor diet• Physical activity or obesity

5 Warning Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

5 Warning Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

5 Warning Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

5 Warning Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

5 Warning Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

What to do if you suspect someone you know is having a Stroke

• Don’t ignore the warning even if the signs of Stroke go away.

• Check the time. When did the first warning sign start? You will be asked this very important question later. There is a very important drug that can be given within the 3 hours of the start of symptoms that can help reduce long term disability.

• Don’t delay, call 911(EMS-Emergency Medical System). Do not drive yourself!

• When talking to EMS make sure you use the word “Stroke”.

Primary Stroke Center Certification

• Illinois passed into law “Primary Stroke Center Recognition Act” in August 2009 – Possible stroke patients only to be brought to Primary Stroke Centers. Went into effect in Chicago & some suburbs March 1, 2011.

• All 5 Hospitals in Resurrection Healthcare Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Centers. Hospitals include: Resurrection Medical Center, Our Lady of Resurrection, St. Mary of Nazareth, St. Joseph’s Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.

Treatment after a Stroke

• Clot-busting drug (tPA or Alteplase)

• Complex Neurointerventional Procedures Clot retrieval (example,

Merci) Bi-plane imaging

Door to Needle Time

Telestroke…Bringing the Neuro-

Specialists to thePatient Utilizing Audio-

Video TechnologyRemotely.

Currently available at Resurrection Medical Center. Eventually available at all 5 hospitals.

Is it a stroke? Act F.A.S.T. to Identify the Symptoms of a Stroke

• Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

• Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?

• Time - If the person shows any of these symptoms, act FAST! Call 911!! Every second counts because brain cells could be dying.

What should you do if you think you or someone is having a stroke?

• Don’t delay, call 911(EMS-Emergency Medical System). Do not drive yourself!

• Be specific and tell them you are having a stroke!

Questions?

Thank you!Call me anytime if you have any questions.

Sandy Hoelzel, Stroke Care Coordinator

773-594-7875

www.SHoelzel@ResHealthcare.org