Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Brain attack, also known as a stroke, is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Brain attacks killed at least 258 Genesee County residents in 1998. Physicians often call these attacks a cerebral (brain) vascular (blood vessels) accident.

A brain attack occurs when a blood vessel bursts or a blood clot forms, interrupting blood flow to the brain. When this happens, oxygen and other vital nutrients cannot be delivered and brain cells die. When brain cells start to die, they release a chemical that further affects blood flow. Without proper medical intervention, a larger area of the brain will die.

The optimal time for intervention to prevent further damage is within 6 hours of a stroke. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is vital to receive the proper medical help quickly. The American Heart Association has published a list of the most common stroke symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body;
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding;
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination;
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause;

Should you or someone you see experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately. For more information, call the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.