Know the Signs: Milford Regional Urges Community to be Aware of Stroke Symptoms

When a stroke occurs, time is critical. Milford Regional has earned a designation as a Primary Stroke Center having a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability in the United States, and in honor of National Stroke Awareness Month, Milford Regional is reminding the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke in order to act fast to seek treatment.

Strokes occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and vital nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When this occurs, part of the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, destroying nerve cells within minutes. The resulting damage can lead to significant disability including paralysis, speech problems and emotional difficulties.

 “Time is crucial in the treatment of stroke, as on average every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke and roughly every four minutes someone dies from a stroke,” says Jeffrey Hopkins, MD, medical director of Milford Regional’s emergency department. “The earlier a stroke is recognized and the patient receives medical attention, the greater the chance of recovery.”

Primary stroke symptoms include: sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or facial drooping; sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, 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.

If you suspect a stroke, remember the word FAST:  F is for face – is your face drooping? A is for arms – can you lift both arms? S is for speech – are you slurring your words and T is for Time – call 9-1-1 immediately.

According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke each year. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including lowering risk factors like high blood pressure and weight, can also help reduce your stroke risk.

For more information about stroke, visit www.strokeawareness.com