Stroke FAQs

What is a stroke?

Referred to in the medical world as a cerebrovascular accident, a stroke is primarily caused by a reduction of, or disruption in, blood flow to the brain. Blockage for even a short period of time can be disastrous and cause brain damage or even death. More

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Hemorrhagic stroke normally occurs when an aneurysm (weakening in a blood vessel) ruptures. The stroke victim may experience the following:

A terrible headache
Neck stiffness
Vomiting
Altered states of consciousness
Eyes that are fixed in one direction or lose vision
Stupor
Rigidity
Coma

What are the risk factors for a stroke?

New or recurrent strokes affect about 600,000 people every year. Although incidence of stroke increased between 1988 and 1998, more people are surviving stroke, and the death rate from this condition fell by about 15% during that period. While age is the major risk factor, in general, people with stroke are likely to have more than one risk factor.

High blood pressure contributes to nearly 70% of all strokes, and that is why using Vioxx, which raises your blood pressure, increases your risk for hemorrhagic stroke.

What happens to people who have a stroke?

People who suffer ischemic strokes have a much better chance for survival than those who experience hemorrhagic strokes. Hemorrhagic stroke not only destroys brain cells but poses other complications as well, including increased pressure on the brain or spasms in the blood vessels, both of which can be very dangerous.

In 1999 1.1 million Americans reported limitations in daily life because of stroke. Between 50% and 70% of people recover functional independence after a stroke. However, between 15% and 30% of those who survive either an ischemic or hemorrhage stroke suffer some permanent disability. On the encouraging side, one 1998 study reported that people who survived for many years after a stroke had a chance for independent living that was about the same as for their peers who had not had a stroke. The stroke patients even appeared to be less depressed than the comparison group.

How can I protect myself from Vioxx?

When your doctor prescribes Vioxx, be sure to ask him or her about these known health threats. You have a right to complete information from your health care provider or pharmacist concerning the risks of Vioxx.

You may also simply ask to discuss alternative, safer choices.