ST. LOUIS---May is Stroke Awareness Month. Every 53 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. Someone dies from stroke every 3.3 minutes. Stroke is the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer and is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Twenty-eight percent of strokes occur in people under the age of 65. Awareness of stroke symptoms can lead to early intervention and the opportunity for emergency room staff to administer new, more effective treatments that limit the damage caused by stroke.

From 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 25, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center will offer a free stroke screening. It will be held at the scheduled dining room in Saint Louis University Hospital, 3635 Vista at Grand. Health care professionals will be on hand to assess stroke risks such as blood pressure, cholesterol and diet, to help determine whether or not a person is at-risk for stroke. The screening is free and open to the public.

Every year 600,000 Americans suffer a stroke; of these, 150,000 die. Among women under 45, stroke is more common than heart attack; women have a one in five chance of dying of a stroke. An African American individual's risk of stroke is twice that of a white person primarily because of hypertension.

A stroke can be thought of as a "brain attack," similar to a heart attack. It requires immediate medical attention. Warning signs of stroke may include sudden numbness, weakness, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, dizziness and severe headache. "It's important for people to know they should call 911 if they experience the symptoms of stroke," said Salvador Cruz-Flores, M.D., assistant professor of neurology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, and director of the Souers Stroke Institute. "Because stroke symptoms are not necessarily painful, the warning signs often go unrecognized and people frequently do not seek emergency treatment. Immediate medical attention can make the difference between life or death and in the quality of life for a stroke survivor."

Early detection and immediate treatment of stroke may prevent some of its brain injury. A new drug called tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) must be administered within three hours after the onset of stroke symptoms.

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. This rupture or blockage keeps part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs. Without oxygen, the nerve cells in that area can't function and will die within minutes. The part of the body that these cells control also can't function-which can lead to death.

Sometimes a major stroke can be preceded by a series of "mini" strokes that occur days, weeks or even months before a major stroke. These temporary strokes, known as transient ischemic attacks or TIAs, result when a blood clot or other particle temporarily clogs an artery and part of the brain doesn't get the supply of blood it needs. TIAs do not cause permanent injury, but are a serious warning sign and can be treated with drugs that keep clots from forming.

Stroke is largely preventable by practicing healthy lifestyle habits that reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke-controlling high blood pressure, maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels, eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking and getting regular medical check-ups.

For additional information on stroke treatments and current research studies, please contact the Souers Stroke Institute at (314) 577-8738.

Editor's note: To arrange an interview with a stroke expert or patient, please contact Shawn Tate, health sciences center public relations, at (314) 268-5937.

High Blood Pressure. This is the single most important risk factor. Know your blood pressure and have it checked at least once every two years. It should be lower than 140/90 mm Hg.

Diabetes Mellitus. While diabetes is treatable, having it still increases a person's risk of stroke. People with diabetes often also have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and are overweight, increasing their stroke risk even more. If you have diabetes, work closely with you doctor to manage it.

Heart disease. People with heart disease have a higher risk for stroke. Atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular heartbeat, is a significant risk factor for stroke. Heart attack is the major cause of death among stroke survivors.

Carotid artery disease. The carotid arteries in your neck supply blood to your brain. A carotid artery narrowed by a fatty buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) may be come blocked by a blood clot.

Tobacco use. Cigarette smoking is the No. 1 preventable risk factor for stroke. Don't smoke or use other forms of tobacco. The nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood. They also damage the walls of blood vessels, making clots more likely to form. Using oral contraceptives combined with cigarette smoking greatly increases stroke risk.

Physical inactivity and obesity. Being inactive, obese or both can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. So go on a brisk walk, take the stairs and do whatever you can to make your life more active.

Excessive alcohol intake. Drinking more than one drink a day for women or more than two drinks a day for men raises blood pressure and can lead to stroke.

Illegal drug use. Intravenous drug abuse carries a high risk of stroke. Cocaine use has also been linked to stroke. It can be fatal even in first-time users.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Suddent trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.