Stroke

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted and brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of adult disability.

There are four main types of stroke: two are caused by blood clots or other particles and two are caused by hemorrhage (bleeding). The long-term effects of a stroke depend on a number of factors including the location of the obstruction and how much brain tissue is affected.

Approximately 700,000 people have strokes in the United States each year; slightly over 20% are fatal. Prevention through healthy living is the best treatment for stroke. There does not seem to be a correlation between gender and stroke, but there are several risk factors:

Increasing age (over 55)
Family history of stroke
African American descent
Prior stroke (many times greater)
High blood pressure
Cigarette smoking
Diabetes mellitus
Carotid artery disease
Heart disease

Symptoms

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly. Symptoms include numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, confusion, trouble speaking and understanding, seeing, or walking. Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination and a sudden severe headache for no known reason can also indicate a stroke.

Treatment

Prompt treatment can sometimes mean the difference between life and death and may minimize damage to the brain and potential long-term disability. For treatment to work - get to a hospital immediately, every second counts!

For ischemic strokes (those caused by clots), anti-coagulants, carotid endarectomy (when plaque is surgically removed from a neck artery), balloon angioplasty (a tiny balloon is inflated inside the artery to compress the plaque), and/or stents (a wire mesh tube is used to keep an artery open) can be part of the treatment.

For hemorrhagic strokes (internal bleeding), surgical intervention to remove the blood can be done in the acute stage. Other procedures may be needed to prevent a recurrence.

Support

American Stroke Association is a good source of educational materials for patients and families. They have a magazine available that offers both information and support. In addition, there is an online stroke treatment program, Stroke Support, and many other resources.

The National Stroke Association offers many resources on causes, symptoms and treatment of stroke from both the patient and support person's perspective.

Locally, The Northeast Ohio Stroke Activity Center (NEOSAC) has a support site for families of stroke victims, online resources, activity center for long-term survivors, speech and writing practice, physical therapy and occupational therapy as well as special events.

Northeast Ohio Stroke Association
2500 MetroHealth Center
c/o Neurology S-407
Cleveland, OH 44109
Telephone: (216) 778-5155
Fax: (216) 778-8865
Hotline: (877) 266-0552
Contact: Chris Hardy - Board President
Email: neostroke@email.com

American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
4916 Hills and Dales Road NW
Canton, Ohio
Telephone: (330) 478-8383
Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Heart Association's mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Their support groups serve the needs of stroke survivors and caregivers. For additional information, contact the office at the number above and request one of their many free brochures.

ALLIANCE

CANTON
Mercy Lucky Strokes
Mercy Medical Center
North Canton Mercy Stat Care Building
Dressler and Whipple Roads
North Canton
Meets: The 3rd Tuesday of the month 6:30 PM
Contacts: Julie Dominic (330) 489-1135 or (330) 489-1231

MASSILLON
Stroke Caregiver Support Group
Massillon Community Hospital
2300 Rehabilitation Unit
Meets: The 2nd Wednesday of the month 2:00 PM
Contact: (330) 830-4340