Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about strokes and receiving the best medical treatment.
If someone is having a stroke it’s important to remain calm – but act quickly.
You should call 9-1-1 immediately. The more time that passes, the more likely that further damage to the brain will occur. Even if a person appears to be “be ok” do not hesitate to call for help. Brain damage can continue to occur for hours after a stroke, so the sooner a stroke victim receives treatment, the better.
There are two core categories of stroke. An ischemic stroke is one that is caused by an artery or blood vessel that is blocked by a blood clot. Approximately 80% of strokes are ischemic. A Hemorrhagic Stroke is when a blood vessel or artery bursts and leaks into the brain. Approximately 20% of strokes are hemorrhagic.
Smoking, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure all can significantly increase your risk of stroke. The risk of stroke increases with age, people 70 and older are at the greatest risk. Although strokes are possible in people of all ages.
- Sudden trouble seeing or loss of vision.
- Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or imbalance.
The symptoms may be mild or severe and occur together or individually.
A stroke can occur suddenly and result in loss of blood flow to the brain or bleeding into the brain. that causes cells to die. Because injury that cell death causes to the brain progresses over time, it is vital to seek help immediately if someone you know is having a stroke.
If you think you (or someone around you) is having a stroke – CALL 9-1-1.
The UMC team is integrated into the emergency dispatch system, so if a dispatcher believes the patient is experiencing stroke-like symptoms, the UMC Mobile Stroke Team can be immediately dispatched to the scene… Minimizing time before treatment – and minimizing the horrific long term effects of a stroke.
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. They can result in paralysis, sensory impairment, memory problems, cognitive degradation, and/or behavioral changes.
The combination of rapid scan time, immediate imaging, and onboard treatment - makes this unit a vital tool in treating El Paso stroke victims in time.
Every year over 1,400 people in El Paso suffer a stroke.