Stroke Awareness: Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages.
Rising Stroke Rates: The stroke death rate in the United States increased from 38.8 per 100,000 in 2010 to 41.1 per 100,000 in 2021.
Underestimated Risk: Data from the CDC indicates that 38% of people hospitalized for stroke in 2014 were under the age of 65, challenging the misconception that strokes primarily affect the elderly.
Sudden Vision Changes: Sudden vision loss or double vision can be a critical warning sign of a stroke, indicating interrupted blood flow to the brain areas responsible for vision.
Cognitive Disruption: Sudden confusion, characterized by difficulty understanding surroundings or expressing oneself, can signal a stroke affecting cognitive functions.
Severe Headaches: A sudden severe headache with no known cause may indicate a hemorrhagic stroke, often described as the worst headache of one’s life.
Nausea and Sensitivity: Sudden nausea or vomiting, along with increased sensitivity to light, can be unusual but significant signs of a stroke, particularly in cases of hemorrhagic stroke.