May is National Stroke Awareness Month

This month is National Stroke Awareness Month.  A stroke or "brain attack" occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.  When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of disability in adults.  However, 80 percent of strokes are preventable.  The best way to help prevent a stroke is to know the risk factors and manage your personal risk.

According to the National Stroke Association, there are 2 types of risk factors for stroke: controllable and uncontrollable.  Controllable risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco use and smoking, alcohol, obesity, atrial fibrillation and physical inactivity.  Uncontrollable Risk Factors are things such as age, gender, race, and family history.  Everyone should know their individual risk factors and talk to a physician about them.

You should also know some warning signs and quick actions you can take in the event you or a loved one appears to be suffering from a stroke.  Acting FAST is extremely important.

Symptoms to look for include: Sudden numbness or weakness of 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; and Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Also, remember to act FAST:

Face: Ask the person to smile.  Does one side of the face drop?

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.  Is their speech slurred or strange?

Time: If you observe any of these signs, dial 911 immediately.

You should also try to note the time any symptoms appeared.  The FDA has approved a clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke if given within three hours of the first symptom.  There are also two other types of stroke treatment available that might help reduce the effects of stroke.

Messa & Associates has been involved in numerous stroke cases obtaining fair verdicts and settlements for our clients.  Our attorneys will fight to ensure clients get the compensation they deserve for injury, trauma, loss, suffering and any ongoing needs that may result.  For more information on National Stroke Awareness Month or if you or a loved one has suffered a stroke and not properly cared for, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw.