Stroke causes brain injury due to loss of blood circulation. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and a leading cause of long-term disability. About 700,000 new stroke cases are reported each year, and 4 million people are living with the effects of a stroke.   Eighty percent of all strokes are caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain. The other 20% are the result of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.   You may be at risk for stroke if you suffer from: • High blood pressure (the Number One preventable cause of strokes)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Obesity Or if you: • Are over 55 years of age
• African American
• Have a family history of stroke
• Use oral contraceptives
• Smoke
• Don't exercise
• Use alcohol excessively
• Have had a previous heart attack or stroke
At St. Mary's of Michigan, we provide comprehensive care for stroke: • The region's only stroke intervention program - which offers patients with acute stroke symptoms the special procedure (much like a cardiac catheterization) required to intervene before stroke actually occurs
• The only neurological intensive care unit in the region
• A renowned neurological rehabilitation program
• Experienced physicians and clinical staff
• Advanced neurological diagnostic tools
• The area's only accredited air transport program to bring you to our emergency departments • Access to clinical stroke research through our affiliation with Field Neurosciences Institute St. Mary's of Michigan was the first in northeast Michigan to create a stroke program - nearly 50 years ago. With this experience comes expertise in treating the complexities of stroke.   Our comprehensive care begins in the emergency room where advanced neurological diagnostic tools assist in the accurate detection of stroke. Treatment is quick and precise because brain cells of oxygen the glucose die quickly. Minutes count because the time period to administer life-saving, clot-busting drugs is short.   Following initial treatment, patients may spend time in our dedicated neurological intensive care unit - the only one in the region. Nurses and technicians are specifically trained in neurological care and have devoted their careers to the field.

Awareness of these "warning signs" will help you seek help sooner, improving your chances of survival and limiting damage to your body. Remember, treatment is most effective when started immediately.   • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Sudden, severe headaches
• Sudden dizziness, confusion, difficulty speaking, and/or blurred vision   All of these are common symptoms of stroke. However, people may experience symptoms differently. Some people may have no warning.   One other possible warning sign of a stroke is a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, with symptoms that may resolve over several minute to hours. A TIA may indicate that a stroke is about to occur. Therefore, further medical evaluation is essential.   If you experience any of these "warning signs," call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not  drive yourself. Emergency crews are trained to assess your condition on the spot and begin immediate life-saving treatment. Exercise your preference with your emergency crew. Tell them you want to come to St. Mary's of Michigan.