Stroke

Stroke is a sudden death of some brain cells due to a lack of oxygen when the blood flow to the brain is impaired by blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain. Stroke is a medical emergency, and if you suspect that you have a stroke, you need to get to the emergency room as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of a stroke depend on the area of the brain affected. The most common symptoms are:
· 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
· Sudden severe headache with no known cause
A stroke or brain attack occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or artery, or when a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When a brain attack occurs, it kills brain cells in the immediate area. This releases chemicals that set off a chain reaction called "ischemic cascade" which endangers brain cells in a larger surrounding area of brain tissue. Without prompt medical treatment (within 6 hours) this larger area of brain cells will also die. Life Alert Emergency response allows you to get emergency help right away, even if you can not reach the telephone or you have trouble speaking.

You can reduce your risk of possibility of suffering a stroke by reducing the following risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and tobacco use. By having Life Alert Emergency Response at your home, you will be able to get help quickly and on time - when every second counts!