Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is hosting a free stroke symposium for the public on May 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the hospital’s main auditoriums, next to the cafeteria.

 
The symposium will focus on the causes of stroke in addition to stroke signs and symptoms, rehabilitation options and the availability of local support groups. Included will be a short presentation on “Stroke Basics” by Dr. Prabhu Emmady, medical director of neurology and the acute rehabilitation unit (ARU) at CRMC, and another presentation on stroke rehabilitation by occupational, physical and speech therapists from CRMC’s ARU. There will be time for questions.
 The symposium will include vendors that offer stroke-related services and free blood pressure checks provided by American Medical Response. Refreshments will also be served.
 
Also known as a brain attack, a stroke occurs when a blockage stops the flow of blood to the brain or when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts.
 
Stroke kills more than 137,000 Americans each year—that’s one out of every 18 deaths, according to the American Stroke Association. On average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States. Stroke is also the fourth-leading cause of death and is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States. Wyoming’s stroke rate is similar to that of the rest of the United States.
 
The quicker someone having a stroke receives medical treatment, the lower the risk for death or disability, Dr. Emmady said.
 
If a stroke is suspected, Dr. Emmady recommends that people act “F.A.S.T.” by using the following simple test:
 
·       Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
·       Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
·       Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the person’s speech slurred or strange?
·       Time: If you detect any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.
 

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