Know Know Stroke A stroke is when blood flow to part of your brain suddenly Stops. It happens when a clot gets stuck in one of the blood vessels feeding your brain— or when the blood vessel bursts. Either way, without the oxygen carried in blood, your brain begins to die within minutes. Strokes kill 160,000 people in the U.S. every year. Many more people survive, but are left with widespread effects. The stroke may change how they move, how they think, even how they feel and express themselves. Don't let it happen to you or someone you love. Know the signs of stroke— and act in time. Know the Signs Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. Act in Time Stroke is a medical emergency—and every second counts. If you or a loved one has even one sign of stroke, call 911 immediately. Medical help can start as soon as you place the cal New treatments may prevent death or permanent brain damage, but only if they're given soon after the first sign of stroke. UtfL. Intermountain ™ Healthcare ©2006 IHC HEALTH SERVICES, INC. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. More health information is available at intermountainhealthcare.org. Clinical Education Services (801) 442-2963 IHCEDSTR001 - 11/06 4 7