Brain cell function requires a constant delivery of oxygen and glucose from the bloodstream.

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms. Blockage of an artery
y y y y

Narrowing of the small arteries within the brain Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the brain Embolism to the brain from the heart Rupture of an artery (hemorrhage) Cerebral hemorrhage

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

DIABETES

SMOKING

 Sudden numbness or
weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

 Sudden confusion or
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

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR AND SELF-CARE

PAIN

MEMORY LOSS OR TROUBLE WITH UNDERSTANDING

DIFFICULTY TALKING OR SWALLOWING

PARALYSIS OR LOSS OF MUSCLE MOVEMENT

MANAGING OTHER MEDICAL PROBLEMS REHABILITATION

HEPARIN AND ASPIRIN

TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR (TPA)