May 10, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Each year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. That's one stroke every 40 seconds. Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. That’s why our stroke experts often say: “Time is brain.”
Do you know your risk? Starting today, for National Stroke Awareness Month in May, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Center will host seven free stroke screenings:
Ohio State Brain and Spine Hospital – Main Lobby
- May 14 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- May 28 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care – Main Lobby
- May 10 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- May 17 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Outpatient Care New Albany – Main Lobby
- May 14 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- May 21 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ohio State East Hospital – Main Lobby
- May 23 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
During the stroke risk screenings, participants will be assessed on the eight factors that increase the risk of a stroke – high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, smoking, cholesterol, diabetes, exercise, diet and family history. Registration is not required.
Ohio State stroke experts will also be out in the community at these events in May:
- Ohio State Baseball game on Friday, May 10
- Dublin Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 11 from 9 – 11am
- Liberty Township/Powell YMCA on Thursday, May 23 from 1 – 3pm
- Columbus Clippers for Strike Out Stroke game on Thursday, May 30 (in partnership with OhioHealth, Mount Carmel, American Heart Association and Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit)
In addition, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center offers this free online stroke risk quiz.
What is a stroke?
Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain stops. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. There are two kinds of stroke. The more common kind, ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. "Mini strokes," or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.
BE FAST is an easy way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke.
- Balance – sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes – loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Facial droop or uneven smile
- Arm numbness or weakness
- Slurred speech – difficulty speaking or understanding
- Time – call 911 and get to the hospital immediately
If you observe any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately to receive help and treatment.
Media must contact Eileen Scahill at Eileen.Scahill@osumc.edu or 614-293-2092 to cover these events.
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