The Stroke Institute at Forest Park Hospital is recognized by the American Heart Association as one of only seven certified Brain Attack Centers in the St. Louis Area. The Stroke Institute, in cooperation with the Souers Stroke Institute of Saint Louis University, is staffed by a highly trained, multidisciplinary medical team and equipped with technology and care innovations that can help minimize the damaging effects of stroke.

Your leg is asleep and it won't wake up. DON'T SLEEP ON IT! CALL 911. You may be having a brain attack.

The more you know about stroke, the better your chances of surviving one. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death for Americans, as well as a major cause for adult disability. But it doesn't have to be. Patients who receive treatment within three hours of their first symptom may reduce the chance of long-term disability.

That's why it's important for you and your loved ones to understand as much as you can about stroke or "Brain Attack," the warning signs and what you can do to lower your risk. The Stroke Institute at Forest Park Hospital recommends you educate yourself in the following four areas:

1. Know what a stroke is.

A stroke, also known as a "brain attack," occurs when a blood vessel to the brain becomes clogged or bursts.

This "brain attack" keeps part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs in the same way that a heart attack prevents blood from flowing to the heart. Without oxygen, nerve cells in the affected part of the brain will die within minutes, making it impossible for part of the body to function. Depending on the part of the brain affected, an untreated stroke may cause permanent disability or death.

Sometimes a major stroke can be preceded by a series of "ministrokes" that occur days, weeks or even months before a major brain attack. Known as transient ischemic attacks of "TIA's," these ministrokes result when a blood clot or other particle temporarily clogs an artery. While not causing permanent injury, these attacks can be warning signs of impending stroke and are treatable.

2. Know the warning signs of stroke.

The symptoms for stroke and transient ischemic attacks are similar, with those of a major stroke lasting longer. If you or a loved one experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately:

• Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements.
• Sudden blurred or increased vision in one or both eyes.
• Loss of balance or coordination, especially when combined with other symptoms.
• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls.
• Sudden, severe headache.

3. Learn how to reduce your risk of stroke.

You can often reduce your risk of stroke with simple lifestyle modifications. The Stroke Institute recommends these preventive measures:

Control your blood pressure. Hypertension is the number one preventable risk factor for stroke. Have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years. Readings of greater than 140/90 mm Hg signal a need for lifestyle changes or medication to reduce stroke risk.

If you have heart disease, manage it. An irregular heartbeat, which may be a symptom of atrial fibrillation, is a significant risk factor for stroke. A daily blood thinner such as Coumadin can reduce the risk of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation. Heart attack is also the leading cause of death in stroke survivors. So it's important to find out if you have heart disease and, if so, to work with your doctor to manage it.

Don't smoke. Smokers who use oral contraceptives further increase their risk of stroke.

Control your weight. Increasing physical activity, along with eating a balanced diet, helps reduce stroke risk. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage it.

Don't use illegal drugs. Intravenous drug abuse carries a high risk of stroke. Cocaine use has also been linked to stroke, even in first-time users.

4. If stroke symptoms occur, seek medical treatment immediately.

A stroke should be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack. Every minute is critical to patient care, survival and subsequent quality of life.

If you experience any signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately. Damage may be minimized if you are treated within three hours of the first symptom.

About the Stroke Institute of Forest Park Hospital

The Stroke Institute, recognized by the American Heart Association as a Certified Brain Attack Center, offers comprehensive services in stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

During a stroke emergency, patients of The Stroke Institute are evaluated in the Emergency Department of Forest Park Hospital. There, a multi-disciplinary team of physicians will confirm the diagnosis of stroke and perform tests to learn the stroke's size, location and cause. Then, acting rapidly and following strict protocols, the team will identify appropriate medical or surgical treatment.

The brain attack team consists of neurologists and emergency physicians trained in stroke diagnostic procedures and we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our team is also supported by consulting neuroradiologists, cardiologists, rehabilitation specialists, nurses, and technologists.

In the days and weeks following the stroke emergency, The Stroke Institute can continue to be an important resource for both patients and their families. We offer inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient support services to help families manage what can be a difficult recovery period.

For more information about stroke intervention, call 314-768-3333. In a medical emergency, call 911.