Stroke is our nation's number three killer, and a leading cause of long-term disability, but early treatment can minimize the damage.

About seven hundred thousand Americans will suffer from stroke this year. The most common type of stroke usually causes loss of function in a part of the body, because a blood clot has blocked a blood vessel. Dr. Joni Clark, assistant professor of neurology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says early treatment can help minimize the damage caused by stroke. She explains:

SOUND BITE: ". . . stroke is an emergency and the time is such an issue because we only have one acute treatment for stroke and the drug that we use has to be given within 3 hours of symptom onset. So for us to evaluate the patient, get whatever tests we need to do, and give the drug. It doesn't leave us a lot of time if patients don't get there as soon as possible."

The most common symptoms for stroke are weakness on one side of the body, with or without associated numbness . . . difficulty getting words out . . . slurred speech . . . problems with walking or balance . . . loss of vision . . . and a very severe headache. Dr. Clark says there are specific risk factors, which can be managed to help prevent stroke. She explains the risk factors:

SOUND BITE: "High blood pressure, heat disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholorestrol, any previous history of TIA or stroke, cigarette smoking also. . . . Yes, unfortunately, age is a risk factor of stroke and although your chance of having stroke increases as we age, you'll have to remember also that patients who are younger, we forget about can also be at risk for stroke.

Dr. Clark says time is critical when someone has stroke symptoms - there is only a three-hour window for treatment. Anyone who suffers a stroke needs to call 911, or go to the emergency room immediately. Also, individuals should work with their physician to manage risk factors . . . and make it a priority to stop smoking.