Every second matters when it comes to stroke treatment. Recognizing early symptoms can enhance the odds of survival and decrease the likelihood of long-term disability.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that in the U.S., someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, and a person dies from it every 3 minutes and 11 seconds.
A stroke is a life-threatening emergency where blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can occur due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Once this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and start to die within minutes. Strokes are a major cause of disability, often leading to difficulties with speech, movement, and cognitive function. However, timely treatment can minimize these effects as the quicker the blood flow to the brain is restored, the less damage is done. That’s why recognizing the symptoms and acting promptly is crucial.