Stroke Awareness
Program Goals
We will:
Define stroke and examine what happens when a
stroke occurs.
Examine ways to prevent the occurrence of a stroke.
Learn the symptoms and risk factors of a stroke.
Examine strategies for preventing a stroke.
Stroke Facts
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in
the nation and in Kentucky.
In 2001, 6.4 percent of all deaths were stroke-
related (African-American males had the
highest rate of stroke, followed by African-
American females, White females and white
males).
Stroke kills almost 130,000 Americans each
year—that’s 1 out of every 20 deaths.
Stroke 101
What happens to the body during a
stroke?
Types of stroke
There are two types of stroke:
Blood clot
Bleeding
Blood clot or ischemia stroke
Occurs when blood vessels to the
brain become narrowed or
clogged with fatty deposits called
plaque.
Bleeding or Hemorrhagic Stroke
Bleeding or hemorrhagic stroke
occurs when an artery in the brain
ruptures causing blood to leak into
the brain.
Transient Ischemic Attack or TIA
Also known as mini strokes
It is a warning sign an ischemic
stroke is about to occur. An
actual clot may have formed but
resolves itself prior to a full stroke
occurring
What happens when a stroke occurs?
The brain is an extremely complex
organ that controls various body
functions. If a stroke occurs and
blood flow cannot reach the region
that part of the body will not work
as it should.
Right Brain
If the stroke occurs in the brain's right side,
the left side of the body is affected.
Paralysis on the left side of the body
Vision problems
Quick, inquisitive behavioral style
Memory loss
Left Brain
If the stroke occurs in the left side of the brain, the right side of the body will be affected. Paralysis on the right side of the body
Speech/language problems
Slow, cautious behavioral style
Memory loss
Risk Factors of a Stroke
Uncontrollable factors include: Increasing age
Gender or sex
Heredity or family history of stroke
Previous stroke or
heart attack
Controllable factors include: High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Artery disease
Irregular heartbeats
Some blood disorders
High blood cholesterol
Physical inactivity and obesity (American Heart and Stroke Association)
Stroke Symptoms
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of
balance, or coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
FAST
Facial weakness - Ask the person to smile.
Arm weakness - Ask the person to raise
both arms.
Speech difficulty - Ask the person to
repeat a simple phrase.
Time to act fast - Time to call 911.
Preventing a Stroke
Eat a balanced diet.
Get regular physical activity.
Have regular medical check-ups.
Take high blood pressure medication as
ordered by your doctor.
Stop smoking.
If you have diabetes, keep it under control
as ordered by your family doctor.
“Stroke Awareness”Thank You!
Nicole Peritore, M.S.
Extension Specialist for Family Health
Danita Lynn Brookins, Ed.D.
Western Region Program Leader
University of Tennessee Extension
June 2016
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