On average, every 45 seconds another person in America has a stroke. Often called a brain attack, 83% of strokes are caused by a clot blocking the flow of blood to the brain and the rest are caused a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Both types damage brain tissue and can affect vision, mobility, speech and understanding of language, coordination, emotions and memory.

Stroke risk increases with age, if you have a family history of strokes and/or prior heart problems and if you’re male. Risk factors you can control include: high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high-fat diet, inactivity, and alcohol or drug abuse.

It’s important to know the signs of a stroke and get medical help immediately when you experience them or see them in others. Be alert for sudden trouble with vision, coordination or speech, sudden paralysis, confusion, weakness and/or a severe, unexplained headache. Call 911 immediately. Every second counts in minimizing the damage from a stroke.

For more information on the stroke unit and other neuroscience services at Community Medical Centers.