About Stroke
Stroke is a "brain attack."  It occurs when vital supplies of blood and oxygen have been "cut off" to the brain. The brain controls everything we do - from speaking to walking to breathing. Brain attacks can occur when an artery or blood vessel becomes blocked or ruptures.

Facts and Figures

• Every year 750,000 Americans suffer a stroke.
• Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.
• Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Only two percent of the population fears having a stroke even though four out of five families during a lifetime will be touched by stroke.
• More than 50 percent of women in America don't know that stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer. 
• Half of all women will die from stroke or heart disease.
• One of out five adults say they have no idea how to reduce stroke risk; 15 percent don't recognize any stroke symptoms.
• Less than 50 percent of the population can recognize one stroke symptom. 
• More than 75 percent of Americans see their doctors regularly, yet patients report that only one-third of them discuss stroke with their doctors.

Symptoms

• Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm, leg - especially if it is on one side of the body.
• Sudden double vision or loss of vision. 
• Sudden difficulty with coordination, including hands or legs; loss of balance or dizziness. 
• Sudden inability to speak, understand words, or comprehend spoken words. 
• Sudden severe headache - the worst headache of your life.