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Stroke Center
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. Also called "brain attack," stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain develops a clot or bursts. Due to the interruption of blood and oxygen, brain cells quickly begin to die. These cells cannot recover and, for this reason, the disabling effects of stroke can be permanent. The individuals affected may lose function in various parts of their bodies depending upon the area of the brain damaged by stroke.
Treatment at Banner Good Samaritan
The Banner Good Samaritan Stroke Center offers the latest in medical care, including lytic therapy (clot dissolving), neuroprotective medication and other new drugs. These treatments may minimize damage that occurs as a result of the attack and maximize rehabilitation in the later stages of care. We also regularly participate in national research trials in order to offer our patients the latest options in the treatment of stroke.
The Banner Good Samaritan Stroke Center offers the latest in medical care, including lytic therapy (clot dissolving), neuroprotective medication and other new drugs. These treatments may minimize damage that occurs as a result of the attack and maximize rehabilitation in the later stages of care. We also regularly participate in national research trials in order to offer our patients the latest options in the treatment of stroke.
Our multidisciplinary team consists of emergency physicians, neurologists, radiologists, physiatrists, and specially-trained nursing and rehabilitation staff that allows for continuous care during the diagnosis, treatment, recovery and rehabilitation process. Coordination of services is important because the best recovery may be dependent on rapid identification and medical intervention.
The Banner Good Samaritan Stroke Center is part of the medical center's neurosciences program. This program is one of Arizona's neurosciences leaders, with outstanding capabilities in surgery, research and specialized care.
Risk Factors for Stroke
Risk of stroke varies among individuals. Your heredity and other factors beyond your control may put you at increased risk. These risks include:
Risk of stroke varies among individuals. Your heredity and other factors beyond your control may put you at increased risk. These risks include:
- Age – while you can have a stroke at any age, your risk doubles each decade after age 55.
- Gender – while men and women both have strokes, men are 19 percent more likely to suffer a stroke.
- Race – while people of all races have strokes, African Americans have a higher risk, especially with associate high blood pressure.
- Prior stroke – once you have had a stroke, your future risk is increased.
- Heredity – if family members have had a stroke, your risk is higher.
You can, however, make positive changes in your lifestyle that will significantly reduce your personal risk. The following is a list of factors that you, with your physician's help, may be able to minimize:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Use of tobacco and/or abuse of alcohol
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Transient ischemic attacks (mini strokes)
- Obesity or lack of exercise
Warning Signs of Stroke
It is very important to seek medical help immediately if you feel that you may have suffered a stroke. The American Stroke Association identifies the following as common warning signs:
It is very important to seek medical help immediately if you feel that you may have suffered a stroke. The American Stroke Association identifies the following as common warning signs:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
- Sudden dimness or loss of vision, especially in one eye.
- Sudden loss of speech or trouble understanding speech
- Sudden severe headaches with no apparent cause, especially in connection with the other symptoms
- Unexplained loss of balance, unsteadiness or falls
- Unexplained loss of consciousness
For more information about stroke, please contact the American Stroke Association's Stroke Connection Warmline at 1 (800) 553-6321, www.strokeassociation.org; or the National Stroke Association at 1 (800) STROKES (787-6527), www.stroke.org.
