What is Stroke?

Stroke is an injury to the brain, caused by an impairment of circulation. Because it is a sudden and serious event, stroke is sometimes referred to as a brain attack.

The brain critically depends upon a continuous supply of glucose and oxygen rich blood. If this supply is interrupted, even for a few minutes, brain dysfunction and damage can result. Since brain cells control everything we do, the warning signs of stroke can be many things, as shown in the table to the right.

Two primary mechanisms of circulatory impairment cause stroke: (1) an artery to the brain may block off, or (2) it may rupture. Most strokes occur when arteries are blocked by blood clots. Arteries rupture when weak spots on the blood vessel wall break open.

Stroke is our nation's third leading cause of death, killing nearly 160,000 Americans every year. Over the course of a lifetime, four out of every five American families will be touched by stroke. Every year approximately 730,000 Americans have a new or recurrent stroke. Everyone has some stroke risk - even you. The good news is that most strokes can be prevented. The keys to stroke prevention are reducing risk factors and recognizing the stroke warning symptoms.

The CNI Stroke Team works together to provide consistent, high-quality treatment not only during the critical first days after a stroke has occurred, but also afterwards to maximize each patient's long-term functional and emotional recovery. Emphasis is placed on maintaining the mobility and baseline endurance of the patient by initiating early therapy intervention and by facilitating transfer to the rehabilitation setting as soon as possible. The CNI Stroke Team also coordinates important preventive and educational follow-up to prevent future strokes

Stroke Warning Signs Call 911 Weakness or numbness on one side of body Difficulty speaking or understanding Change in vision Loss of balance or dizziness Severe headache       Every second counts! Receiving treatment within 3 hours can greatly reduce the risk of permanent damage

The Spring 2006 issue of CNI's
medical journal, CNI REVIEW, is
dedicated to discussing the issues
related to stroke.
Read this issue online now.

Meet Kyle,
our CNI Hope Award Recipient,
a 12-year-old stroke survivor.

Face the Facts about Stroke:

• Stroke can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone.

• Every 3 minutes, someone dies of stroke.

• Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability.

• Stroke kills more women than breast cancer.

• The effects of a stroke can be significantly reversed if treated within the first 3 hours of onset.

Calculate your risk now

Are You at Risk?

• High Blood Pressure - Check blood pressure periodically and, if over 120/80, see your doctor.
  If you have high blood pressure, take your medications as prescribed.
• Heart Disease - Find out if you have heart disease, especially irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation.
• Sedentary Lifestyle - Include some form of exercise in your daily activities.
• Diabetes - If you have diabetes, work to control your blood sugar levels.
• Smoking - If you smoke, get help to stop.
• High Cholesterol - Keep your cholesterol level within normal limits with diet and/or medication.
• Alcohol Intake - Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation.
• Diet - Enjoy a lower sodium, lower fat diet for better health.