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A stroke occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain, interrupting the supply of blood and the oxygen carried to the nerve cells in that area. As a result, cells may die and the parts of the body they control stop functioning. A rupture and bleeding from a vessel that supplies the blood to the brain may also cause a stroke.*

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and receiving immediate treatment is critical. If you experience the following, seek medical attention:

  • Sudden weakness, numbness or tingling in the face, arm or leg
  • Sudden temporary loss of speech, difficulty finding words, slurred speech, or trouble reading, writing or understanding speech
  • Sudden loss of vision, particularly in one eye, or double vision
  • Sudden severe and unusual headache with no known cause
  • Sudden loss of balance, spinning, dizziness, or unsteadiness when walking, especially with any of the other warning signs

 

In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, UHN is holding a number of activities:

At TWH, a blood pressure clinic will be conducted, available to staff, patients and visitors on June 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This same clinic will also occur at TGH on June 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinics will be set up in the main hospital lobby at each site. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke. When you lower your blood pressure you also lower your chance for a stroke by up to 40 per cent.* The clinics will allow the opportunity for education about the major risk of hypertension, as well as the main warning signs and other risk factors for stroke.

A presentation in the main auditorium at TWH involving a panel of experts on stroke, including our own stroke neurologists will happen on Monday June 21 from 12 a.m. – 1 p.m. This will be an opportunity for staff to have all their questions about stroke answered, so come prepared.

To gain a greater understanding and awareness about the risk factors and signs of stroke, please visit www.heartandstroke.ca.

Remember, Time Is Brain.

* Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation​

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