A stroke can be devastating to individuals and their families, robbing them of their independence. It is the most common cause of adult disability. If you're like most Americans, you plan for your future. When you take a job, you examine its benefit plan. When you buy a home, you consider its location and condition so that your investment is safe.
Stroke ranks as the third leading killer in the United States.
A stroke can be devastating to individuals and their families, robbing them of their independence. It is the most common cause of adult disability. Each year more than 500,000 Americans have a stroke, with about 145,000 dying from stroke-related causes. Brain cells can die from decreased blood flow and the resulting lack of oxygen. While not usually fatal, a blockage of a blood vessel in the brain or neck, called an ischemic stroke, is the most frequent cause of stroke and is responsible for about 80 percent of strokes.