For black stroke victims, timing is everything

Every minute counts. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the U.S. — leaving some stroke survivors paralyzed or unable to perform daily activities. African-American adults are 50 percent more likely to have a stroke than whites. And, those who do survive become disabled more than any other group. They may hire a disability insurance lawyer to help them file a claim for disability benefits that can help pay their medical bills and other expenses. Calling 911 and arriving to an emergency department within the first three hours of symptoms increases both survival and the chances of returning to normal functioning. HOW IT KILLS There are two types of stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts, releasing blood into the tight spaces in and around the brain. An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks a blood vessel to the brain. “Mini-strokes,” formally known as transient ischemic attacks, is a milder form of an ischemic stroke, lasting less than five minutes. It is often considered a warning sign of a major stroke to come. Blood is responsible for carrying oxygen to the brain. In both types of stroke, the brain is deprived of oxygen when blood flow is cut off. This lack of oxygen leads to different symptoms based on the areas of the brain affected. Symptoms can include:
– One side of the face drooping compared to the other
– A numb or paralyzed arm or leg
– Difficulty speaking or confusion
– Blurry or blackened vision
– Headache in conjunction with one of the above symptoms The clots can originate in the brain itself or in the blood vessels of the heart or neck. Most are related to enlarging plaques made of fat and cholesterol that coat the walls of blood vessels. (more…)

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