Stroke is the third leading cause of death, following heart disease and cancer. Every year, more than 795,000 Americans experience a new or recurrent stroke episode, which means a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Cleveland Clinic neurologist Joshua Leibner, M.D., answers commonly asked questions about stroke.
Q: What is a stroke?
A: A stroke, or “brain attack,” is damage to the brain caused by a reduction or stoppage of blood supply to part of the brain. Brain cells die and can no longer function because they stop receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need.
Q: What are the signs or symptoms of a stroke?
A: Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or legs; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden, severe headaches with no known cause.
Q: What can you do to prevent a stroke?
A: Leading a healthier lifestyle plays a significant role in decreasing the chance of disability and death from stroke. Not smoking, exercising and eating right all contribute to stroke prevention.
Q: What stroke treatments are available at Cleveland Clinic?
A: Physical and neurological exams are performed immediately to determine brain damage and the cause of stroke. The physician may also order other testing, including CT scans, MRIs and angiograms to further investigate the type of stroke. If a blood clot is the cause, as it most often is, a clot-busting medication called Tenecteplase (TNK) can be used for treatment, but it must be administered within 4½ hours of the onset of symptoms. In some cases, a cerebral angiogram can be performed to physically remove the clot using a catheter.
Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital has earned designation as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center from the Joint Commission — the highest level of stroke certification awarded by the organization. The first hospital on the Treasure Coast to achieve this designation, Tradition Hospital provides specialized stroke care in your community. To schedule an appointment, call (877) 463-2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Stroke to learn more.
