{"id":4601,"date":"2018-10-29T10:38:06","date_gmt":"2018-10-29T15:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=4601"},"modified":"2022-05-16T11:37:34","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T16:37:34","slug":"nine-myths-about-stroke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/nine-myths-about-stroke\/","title":{"rendered":"These nine myths about stroke could be dangerous"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>. This leads to about 140,000 deaths. To put it plainly, strokes are very common.<\/p>\n

Yet, myths about strokes are prevalent. Unfortunately, misinformation and a misunderstanding of strokes can lead to devastating results for stroke sufferers.<\/p>\n

The most important thing to know about strokes is this: the only proper response to a stroke is to call 9-1-1 and get taken to the nearest stroke-certified hospital for treatment as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Debunking the myths<\/h2>\n

Monica Simionescu, MD, is a vascular neurologist with OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center<\/a>, which handles more stroke cases than any other hospital in the Rockford, Illinois region. She understands that time is critical for treating strokes. She also knows that false beliefs can keep people from getting the treatment they need.<\/p>\n

Myth #1: Strokes only happen to the elderly.<\/h2>\n

Fact:<\/strong>\u201cThe fact is that elderly patients are more prone to strokes, but about 25 percent of strokes happen to people younger than 65,\u201d Dr. Simionescu said. \u201cMost are likely related to heart disease or blood clot disorders.\u201d<\/p>\n

Myth #2: Strokes are painful.<\/h2>\n

Fact:<\/strong> \u201cActually pain is not a common symptom of stroke,\u201d Dr. Simionescu said.<\/p>\n

Hemorrhagic strokes<\/a>, when a vessels in the brain bursts, can be associated with headaches, she added, but most strokes \u2013 caused by a blood clot in the brain \u2013 do not cause pain.<\/p>\n

Myth #3: Strokes are hard to identify.<\/h2>\n

\"nurses<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fact:<\/strong> Stroke experts try to educate the public on a simple acronym to remember the symptoms of a stroke.<\/p>\n

That acronym is BE FAST.<\/a><\/p>\n