By Nicole Weiss
REED CITY Reed City residents can qualify for free stroke screenings and education this month.
The free clinics at Spectrum Health Reed City are in recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month.
Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Depending on where in the brain a stroke occurs and how soon treatment is sought, however, the effects may be very different.
When you or a loved one suffers a stroke, it can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, said Timothy K. Thoits, a neurologist with Spectrum Health Medical Group and the interim medical director of Spectrum Health Stroke Centers. It is possible to reduce the damage caused by the most common type of stroke, but only if treatment is given quickly. Thats why it is crucial patients get to a hospital immediately after experiencing symptoms of a stroke.
Reed City is offering the free, 15-minute screening and education session on Wednesday, May 21, in the lobby of the hospital, located at 300 Patterson Road, between the hours of 11 a.m and 3 p.m.
A stroke occurs most often when blood flow to the brain stops because it is blocked by a clot. The brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. This type of stroke is called ischemic stroke. Patients can also suffer from a hemorrhagic stroke that is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds in the brain.
Regardless of the type of stroke, patients need to be able to recognize the symptoms of one, said Dr. Thoits.
Those symptoms include:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
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Residents in Reed City can get free stroke screening