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                    Stopping Stroke

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The News About Stroke
  
The faster you recognize stroke symptoms, the sooner you can get to
the hospital for help. This is more important than ever because of new
treatments on the medical horizon.
   
Changing how you think about stroke and learning its symptoms is the
first step in a new war against stroke, the third leading killer of
Americans.
   
"Think of a stroke as a medical emergency for which quick action is
necessary--much like a heart attack--and you've won the first battle,"
explains Bruno Tolge, M.D., chairman of the Department of
Neuro-sciences at Ellis. "The National Stroke Association is
encouraging the use of the term `brain attack' to describe stroke."
   
A stroke cuts off vital supplies of blood and oxygen to the brain
cells that control everything we do--from speaking to walking, to
breathing. Arteries blocked by blood clots or a buildup of plaque are
a common cause. Brain arteries that rupture because of a weak spot are
another.
   
Many people wait hours--or even days--before seeking help for stroke
symptoms. They don't recognize the symptoms, nor do they believe that
something can be done to help. But because of new drugs being tested,
emergency treatment for stroke may mean the difference between life
and death, between recovery and a life of disability.
   
"People need to learn the symptoms of a stroke and also need to get
emergency help," explains Dr. Tolge. "Yet 40 percent of Americans are
unable to name any symptoms of stroke."

    Stroke Symptoms
   
Early recognition of these symptoms and early treatment may reduce the
long-term effects of a stroke.
   
   Numbness, weakness, or paralysis of face, arm , or leg--especially
   on one side of the body
   
   Sudden blurred vision or decreased vision in one or both eyes
   
   Sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause Difficulty speaking
   or understanding simple statements Loss of balance, or loss of
   coordination--especially when combined with another symptom

    A Clinical Trial
   
Ellis Hospital is participating in a clinical trial of a new stroke
treatment medication called Lubeluzole, which we hope will protect
brain cells from being killed or damaged.
   
"This clinical trial is a good example of why getting emergency help
for stroke symptoms is so important," explains Dr. Tolge.
   
"Not every stroke patient can be helped by a medication such as
Lubeluzole, but the first step in that decision is quick action. These
type of drugs work only if given within the first 6 hours of a
stroke's onset."
   
The clinical trial will be underway at Ellis for a year, beginning in
late spring. If it is possible that you will be helped by Lubeluzole,
you will be given the opportunity to participate. Determining factors
also include your medical history, your symptoms, and the size,
location,and cause of the stroke. If you are a candidate, you will be
carefully screened, scrupulously informed about risks and side
effects, and you must give your signed consent. Lubeluzole is still an
experimental drug.
   
    Risk Factors for Stroke
   
Prevention is still the best defense against stroke.
   
     * Over age 55
     * Previous stroke or TIA
     * High blood pressure
     * Carotid artery disease
     * Heart disease
     * Diabetes
     * Race--blacks have double the risk of whites
     * Smoking
     * High cholesterol
     * Family history
     * Obesity
     * Excessive alcohol consumption
     * Lack of exercise
   
      Last updated: May 1, 1995
      
      Content (c) Ellis Hospital

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