Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US, and a leading cause of long-term disability. About 700,000 new strokes are reported in the US each year, and almost 5 million people live today with the effects of a stroke.

Take this multiple choice quiz with six questions to see how much you know about stroke. Read the question and select one answer. You will find out if your answer is correct or incorrect. Information about health risks and healthy choices will be provided.

What is a stroke?

Correct.

Sometimes called a brain attack, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. An ischemic stroke (88 percent of strokes are this type) results when the blood flow to a vital blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a blood clot.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when the blood vessel in the brain bursts and spills blood into surrounding brain tissue. The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to function. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen.

Incorrect.

Sometimes called a brain attack, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. An ischemic stroke (88 percent of strokes are this type) results when the blood flow to a vital blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a blood clot.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when the blood vessel in the brain bursts and spills blood into surrounding brain tissue. The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to function. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen.

What are risk factors for stroke?

Correct.

High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, the use of oral contraceptives, cigarette smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use, previous transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke, and a high homocysteine (a type of blood protein) level are risk factors that may be controllable or medically managed.

Risk factors that a person cannot change include age (for each decade of life after age 55, the chance of having a stroke more than doubles); race (African Americans have a much higher risk of death and disability from a stroke than Caucasians); and heredity/genetics (the chance of stroke is greater in people who have a family history of stroke).

Incorrect.

High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, the use of oral contraceptives, cigarette smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol use, previous transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke, and a high homocysteine (a type of blood protein) level are risk factors that may be controllable or medically managed.

Risk factors that a person cannot change include age (for each decade of life after age 55, the chance of having a stroke more than doubles); race (African Americans have a much higher risk of death and disability from a stroke than Caucasians); and heredity/genetics (the chance of stroke is greater in people who have a family history of stroke).

What are the symptoms of stroke?

Correct.

All of the above are common symptoms of stroke. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently, and some people may have no warning.

One possible warning sign of a stroke is a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a temporary interruption of flow to the brain, but is shorter than a stroke. A TIA may indicate that a stroke is about to occur. If any symptoms are present, call 9-1-1 (or your local ambulance service) immediately. Treatment is most effective when started immediately.

Incorrect.

All of the above are common symptoms of stroke. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently, and some people may have no warning.

One possible warning sign of a stroke is a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a temporary interruption of flow to the brain, but is shorter than a stroke. A TIA may indicate that a stroke is about to occur. If any symptoms are present, call 9-1-1 (or your local ambulance service) immediately. Treatment is most effective when started immediately.

What is the immediate treatment for ischemic stroke?

Correct.

When a person suspects he/she is having a stroke, a call should be made immediately to 9-1-1. An aspirin should NOT be taken, as it might interfere with possible treatment in the emergency room.

The most common medication used to treat stroke in the ER is called t-PA, which works to dissolve blood clots. A person must be given t-PA within a three-hour time period for it to be effective. Only a physician can determine for sure if someone is having a having a stroke, and emergency medical treatment could save a life.

Incorrect.

When a person suspects he/she is having a stroke, a call should be made immediately to 9-1-1. An aspirin should NOT be taken, as it might interfere with possible treatment in the emergency room.

The most common medication used to treat stroke in the ER is called t-PA, which works to dissolve blood clots. A person must be given t-PA within a three-hour time period for it to be effective. Only a physician can determine for sure if someone is having a having a stroke, and emergency medical treatment could save a life.

What therapy is used to prevent a second ischemic stroke?

Correct.

Once a patient has received medical attention immediately following a stroke, a physician will make an evaluation about further therapy.

A patient who has had an ischemic stroke may be treated with anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), to thin the blood to prevent another blood clot. Angioplasty is a procedure used to reopen a blocked or narrowed artery by inflating a tiny balloon in the artery, thus allowing blood to flow to the brain. Surgery may be recommended to clear the carotid artery located in the neck and leading to the brain.

Incorrect.

Once a patient has received medical attention immediately following a stroke, a physician will make an evaluation about further therapy.

A patient who has had an ischemic stroke may be treated with anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), to thin the blood to prevent another blood clot. Angioplasty is a procedure used to reopen a blocked or narrowed artery by inflating a tiny balloon in the artery, thus allowing blood to flow to the brain. Surgery may be recommended to clear the carotid artery located in the neck and leading to the brain.

What can you do to help reduce your risk for stroke?

Correct.

Experts say making the right lifestyle choices can help prevent a stroke. Be sure to take your blood pressure medication, stop smoking, eat foods low in fat and salt, limit your intake of alcoholic beverages, exercise as much as possible, and participate in screening for diabetes and cholesterol.

Incorrect.

Experts say making the right lifestyle choices can help prevent a stroke. Be sure to take your blood pressure medication, stop smoking, eat foods low in fat and salt, limit your intake of alcoholic beverages, exercise as much as possible, and participate in screening for diabetes and cholesterol.

You answered out of six questions correctly.

Remember, stroke is an emergency and should be treated as such. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms! The greatest chance for recovery from stroke occurs when emergency treatment is started immediately. The American Stroke Association says, Time lost is brain lost!