What Happens to the Brain During a Stroke?
Know the signs of stroke and why every moment counts.
When someone is having a stroke, time is of the essence. Caused by a blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain, stroke is among the most time-sensitive serious illnesses. It’s the leading cause of permanent disability in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death. For every minute that passes after blood flow is even partially cut off from the brain, 1.9 million brain cells die because of a lack of oxygen. And according to Dr. Olajide Williams, director of acute stroke services at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, it’s only a matter of time before vital brain functions are severely affected as this video shows.
NewYork-Presbyterian is advancing stroke care through its Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit (MSTU), an emergency vehicle that is outfitted specifically to treat stroke patients.
Learn more about how the MSTU delivers world-class care faster and discover how to spot the signs of a stroke.