The leading type of stroke is ischemic, meaning the attack was brought on by a sudden blood clot. About 87 percent of all strokes fit this description, according to the American Stroke Association. The rest are hemorrhagic, which happens when weakened vessels trigger bleeding in the brain. Combined, they are responsible for an estimated 187,000 deaths in the United States each year.
Stroke symptoms
The key to understanding stroke is to know that all of the symptoms happen suddenly, including:
-- numbness or weakness of one side of the face, arm or leg;
-- loss of balance or coordination; trouble walking;
-- confusion or dizziness;
-- trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
-- difficulty speaking or understanding;
--a sudden, unexplained headache.
Getting help
There are nearly 20 area hospitals certified as primary or comprehensive stroke centers. These centers agree to follow national treatment guidelines: comprehensive centers require additional resources and staff. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration has designated the following as stroke centers in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties:
Comprehensive stroke centers: Tampa General Hospital, Tampa; St. Joseph's Hospital, Tampa; Morton Plant Mease, Clearwater.
Primary stroke centers: Brandon Regional Hospital, Brandon; South Bay Hospital, Sun City Center; South Florida Baptist Hospital, Plant City; Town and Country Hospital, Tampa; University Community Hospital, Tampa; Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, St. Petersburg; Edward White Hospital, St. Petersburg; Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, Tarpon Springs; Largo Medical Center; Community Hospital, New Port Richey; Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, New Port Richey; Pasco Regional Medical Center, Dade City; Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Hudson: Bayfront Medical Center, St. Petersburg; Mease Countryside Hospital, Safety Harbor; Mease Dunedin Hospital; Northside Hospital, St. Petersburg; Palms Of Pasadena Hospital, St. Petersburg; St Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg; St. Petersburg General Hospital
Preventing stroke
The best way to avoid stroke is to avoid risky behaviors that increase the odds of illness. Known risk factors include: high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and smoking.
Source: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; American Stroke Association
Newstex ID: KRTB-0201-44670584