When A Stroke Comes Suddenly

Like many things in life, a stroke often comes unexpectedly. You never plan for it, and its effects can be life altering or even life ending. According to the American Stroke Association, if you suffer from a stroke, it affects your arteries leading to and within your brain. It occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to your brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. They also state, “stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and leading cause of disability in the United States.”

March 4, 2019, Beverly Hills, 90210 actor Luke Perry suffered a massive stroke at the age of 52. An article by USA TODAY asks, “Was Luke Perry too Young to have a Fatal Stroke?” The article explains, “The risk of stroke increases with age. But it can be particularly dangerous for middle age adults.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year. They explain that strokes are treatable and fast treatment can lessen brain damage that strokes can cause. They list the vital signs and symptoms of stroke.

Signs of Stroke in Men and Women (according to the CDC)

1. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Call 9-1-1 right away if you or someone else has any of these symptoms.

Dr. Alan I. Benvenisty, MD is committed to the philosophy of treating patients as individuals. If you have been diagnosed with carotid artery disease or have had a previous stroke or heart attack, Dr. Benvenisty is currently accepting new patients at his office on Amsterdam Avenue.