Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When a stroke occurs, brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop getting oxygen and nutrients they need to function. There are two types of stroke: ischemic-due to lack of blood flow, and hemorrhagic-due to bleeding in the brain.
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
“Time is Brain”
-- It is critical for healthcare providers to intervene as quickly as possible to stop the progression of a stroke, limit damage from a stroke, and increase chances for recovery from stroke.
Symptoms of stroke may include:
- Facial muscle weakness, facial droop, or numbness
- Arm and/or leg weakness or numbness
- Difficulty walking, paralysis with weak muscles, problems with coordinator, stiff muscles, over reactive reflexes or paralysis of one side of the body
- Sensory issues such as pins or needles or reduced sensation of touch
- Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, speech loss, or inability to understand speech
- Blurred vision, double vision, sudden visual loss, or temporary loss of vision in one eye
- Balance issues, dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Headache and/or mental confusion
Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can help save lives. B.E.F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember how to identify and respond if you suspect someone is having a stroke:
Regional West Stroke Support Group
Gene McDowell, PT, MHS, DPT
Stroke Support Group Coordinator and ARU Stroke Clinical Coordinator
308-630-2046
Acute Rehab Unit, 308-630-1440
EMAIL
For persons with stroke and their caregivers, the support group fosters physical and emotional healing after a stroke. The support group provides support, socialization, and education on topics relevant to stroke recovery.
Second Tuesday of the month
Medical Plaza South, Room 1202
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information on stroke:
The American Heart Association is a non-profit organization in the United States that fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Founded in 1985, the Nebraska Stroke Association is one of the nation’s earliest nonprofit organizations focused on stroke prevention. The association is a statewide resource for Nebraskans and helps reduce the impact of stroke and enhance the lives of stroke survivors and caregivers. All services are provided at no charge.