PERTH AMBOY—While people age 65 or older are at the highest risk of suffering a stroke, it’s important for people to know that stroke can occur at any age, and be aware of the signs and symptoms of this deadly ‘brain attack.’
“Although stroke may be our nation’s third leading cause of death and leading cause of long-term disability, controlling certain risk factors can minimize the possibility of experiencing a stroke,” said Mirian Medina, RN, stroke coordinator at Raritan Bay Medical Center (RBMC), a New Jersey state designated Primary Stroke Center with locations in Old Bridge and Perth Amboy. “A blood pressure screening allows us to assess a person’s risk of suffering a stroke, if it’s high they can work with their doctor to begin treatment and change their lifestyle to reduce those risks.”
For more information and a free stroke screening visit RBMC’s Stroke Prevention event Wednesday, May 20, at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, 365 New Brunswick Ave., Perth Amboy, 11 a.m. to 12 noon or 5 to 6 p.m. For more information call RBMC’s Stroke Center at (732) 324-4970.
Knowing the symptoms of stroke, calling 9-1-1 right away, and getting to a hospital are crucial to the most beneficial outcomes after having a stroke. There are five major signs of stroke, including:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms, or legs.
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding others.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
All of the major symptoms of stroke appear suddenly, and often there is more than one symptom at the same time. If you think someone is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 or other emergency medical services immediately.
