Goodyear hospital recognizes Stroke Awareness Month

Abrazo Health is recognizing Stroke Awareness Month in May by emphasizing the importance of identifying stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical care.

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States. According to the American Stroke Association, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, with nearly 800,000 people experiencing a new or recurrent stroke each year.

“Strokes are one of the most debilitating vulnerabilities that occur in humans,” said Dr. Mary H. Cobb, Neurosurgeon, Abrazo Arrowhead and Abrazo West Campus.“Once a clot is stuck in a vessel, the part of the brain distal to the clot loses approximately 1–2 million brain cells a minute." 

Health experts use the acronym FAST to describe common warning signs:

• Face drooping – Does one side of the face droop when smiling?

• Arms – Is one arm weak or drifting downward when both arms are raised?

• Speech difficulty – Is speech slurred or hard to understand?

• Time to call 911 – If any of these signs are present, call 911. 

Cobb said treatment options depend on how quickly patients receive care. Clot-dissolving medication can be administered within about 4½ hours of symptom onset, while some patients may be eligible for a mechanical thrombectomy to remove a clot within up to 24 hours.

Visit abrazohealth.com for more information.