Stroke third-leading killer in nation
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Every 53 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. Every 3.3 minutes, someone dies from one. Stroke is the nation’s third-leading cause of death. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. Because of this rupture or blockage, part of the brain doesn’t get the flow of blood it needs.
While strokes kill more than 150,000 Americans each year, there are about 4.5 million stroke survivors alive today.
While many of these survivors go on to live normal, active lives, many have physical, emotional and psychological needs not addressed through the typical rehabilitation process.
That’s why West Virginia University Hospitals and the WVU Department of Neurology have teamed up to start a Stroke Survivor Support Group.
The first meeting will be held Friday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Krepps Park Pavilion in Morgantown. Registration is not required.
“Stroke survivors and their family members will learn more about stroke, share experiences and hear presentations on the latest stroke topics,” says Claudette Brooks, M.D., a WVU neurologist.
“We believe this program will provide the type of psychosocial experience that will give patients a more positive outlook on their ability to live with the changes created by their stroke.”
Sarah D. Burchfield, of the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, will be the featured speaker.
Her topic will be “Building Services and Support in the Community.”
Following her presentation, attendees can meet Dr. Brooks, John Brick, M.D., and David Libell, M.D., of the WVU Comprehensive Stroke Center.
They can also talk with other WVU healthcare professionals – nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists – who treat stroke patients.
The Stroke Survivor Support Group will meet quarterly. The next meeting is set for Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Ruby Memorial Hospital.