Early Detection and Quick Action Are Essential to Surviving a Stroke
When a blood clot migrated up Todd Rosewell’s vertebral artery and settled in a basilar artery in the back portion of his brain, it caused the 45-year-old to experience stroke symptoms.
Dr. Jeff Lassig, Midwest Radiology physician and head of United Hospital’s Interventional Neuroradiology department, performed a procedure known as Thrombectomy, involving a small cranial catheter that was navigated through Rosewell’s arteries that reached the clot and removed it safely.
Because it was caught early, Rosewell is speaking clearly with only minor visual impairment. He considers himself very lucky.
More than 800,000 people suffer a stroke each year in America. While medical advances are minimizing long-term disabilities, the age of stroke patients is getting younger.
In honor of stroke awareness month, take time to educate yourself on the symptoms and effects of stroke. Remember, FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is an easy way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. Recognition of stroke and calling 9-1-1 will determine how quickly someone will receive help and treatment. Getting to a hospital rapidly will more likely lead to a better recovery.
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