Stroke Prevention

Stroke is one of the major causes of disability and the third leading cause of death in adults in the United States.

Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Without a steady supply of blood, the brain is without the oxygen it needs to work properly.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of a stroke, or “brain attack,” aren’t always well-defined. So it’s important to be aware of subtle signs of a stroke, such as:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg,
  especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
  or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Swift action gives you the best chance for recovery. Lancaster General, a certified Primary Stroke Center uses a drug called Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) that, when administered within three hours of a stroke, can dissolve a blockage and alleviate many symptoms.

So if you or someone you are with is experiencing signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately!

Click here for more information about the Stroke Center, early warning signs, controlling risk factors and more.

To take the Lancaster General Stroke Quiz, click here.