Strokes are one of the most common causes of physical and mental disabilities among those 65 and older. A stroke happens when blood supply to an area of the brain is interrupted. The brain cells begin to die from the loss of oxygen and the physical and mental functions controlled by that area of the brain will be affected.
Stroke By The Numbers
- Each year nearly 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke.
- A stroke happens every 40 seconds.
- Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Every 4 minutes someone dies from stroke.
- Up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
- Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. (ref: www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke)
There are different types of strokes:
- A Hemorrhagic Stroke – where a brain aneurysm bursts or a blood vessel leaks
- A Ischemic Stroke – where a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot
Stroke.org has a very good website that can provide you with much more in-depth information.
Here is a good video on the subject:
Other Resources that might be helpful
Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific – Stroke Rehabilitation
Hawaii Pacific Health – Stroke Support Group
National Stroke Association – Stroke.org
Stroke Victims Hawaii – Home (Facebook page)/