On behalf of the American Stroke Association, we thank U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., for spreading awareness of stroke through his inspiring video and poignant Commentary piece in Wednesday’s Tribune. Less than four months after suffering a severe stroke, Kirk’s actions show that there is hope for those who suffer a stroke. There are two key points we urge readers take from his piece: Early detection is key, and many strokes are preventable.
If you experience sudden a sudden, severe headache with no known cause, like Kirk experienced, or other sudden symptoms that include dizziness, confusion, numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, and trouble seeing, walking, speaking or understanding, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency, and time lost is brain lost. A lifetime of memories can be erased from your brain the longer you wait.
Modifying risk factors, such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, eating a healthier diet and lowering high blood pressure, can significantly lower the chances of a stroke ever happening.
Research funding is also critical to breakthroughs in treatment of stroke; it has led to lifesaving medical techniques that have benefited Kirk and other stroke patients. In June I will be joining the American Stroke Association in Washington to advocate for increased stroke research funding, and I look forward to working with Kirk and his staff to make that a reality.
May is American Stroke Month. Protect yourself from the nation’s fourth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability. For resources on stroke prevention and detection, visit strokeassociation.org.
We thank Kirk for championing this cause for the people of Illinois.
— Dr. Shyam Prabhakaran, American Stroke Association, Chicago
