Every 40 seconds someone in the United States suffers a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That amounts to 795,000 people each year, on average. And it’s not just older adults: Stroke can happen to people in their twenties or thirties too.
Stroke can happen in an instant, but can leave lasting damage that can permanently impair a patient’s quality of life. In fact, stroke is the leading preventable cause of long-term disability in the U.S., according to the American Stroke Association (ASA). If you are having a stroke or see someone having a stroke, don’t drive yourself to the hospital. Find out why calling an ambulance is also crucial for stroke recovery.
Dr. Brockington is a neurologist and director of the Stroke Center at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York City.
References
Alcock, S, et al. (2016). "Time is Brain:" A concept anaiysis. Canadian Journal of Neuroscience Nursing.
American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Effects of stroke.
American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Stroke symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Stroke facts.
Nemours Foundation. (2023). Heart and circulatory system.
Raichle ME, et al. (2002). Appraising the brain’s energy budget. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) of the United States of America.
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