Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer, according to the American Heart Association. About 600,000 Americans suffer stroke every year, and 160,000 of them die. Stroke is the leading cause of disability among adults. Just over 4,000 people in Virginia died of stroke in 1997, the most recent year for which figures are available. During a stroke, brain cells die because of insufficient blood flow and lack of oxygen.
Strokes have several causes.
Some of the most dangerous are caused by a burst blood vessel in the brain. The vast majority, however, are caused when arterial pathways leading to the brain are blocked by blood clots or a buildup of fatty material. The death of brain cells can lead to paralysis or death. Until clot-busters, doctors could do little to help stroke patients, said registered nurse Carolyn Ward, coordinator of the clinical care unit at Bayside. While tPA can be a lifesaver for patients like Channing Walker, it can't be given to all stroke patients.