May is National Stroke Awareness month, the perfect time to reflect on the impact that stroke has on our community and what we can all do as individuals to prevent and respond to it. Here are some helpful resources and information.

Types of Stroke

Vanessa Brown, MD, JD, FACEP, FAAEM, Medical Director of the Townsend Emergency Medical Center at Day Kimball Hospital, describes the two broad categories of stroke: ischemic (brain deprived of blood flow) and hemorrhagic (bleeding in the brain).

Stroke Risk Factors

Stroke is the fifth highest cause of death in the United States, so it’s important to understand your risk factors -- both manageable and non-manageable. Dr. Vanessa Brown discusses some of the common risk factors for stroke.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms

Recognizing the warning signs of stroke can save a life. Dr. Vanessa Brown explains the common stroke symptoms along with how to use the F.A.S.T. acronym to spot a stroke. Once stroke symptoms have been identified, receiving immediate medical attention is vital for stroke victims.