Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - With a focus on stroke after the announcement by John Murphy that he is stepping away from the Buffalo Bills broadcast booth as he continues to recover from the aftereffects of a stroke, we talked about the prevalence of the disease with a local physician.
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"Stroke is an extremely common, affecting 2% to 3% of the general population," said Dr. Amit Kandel, Associate Professor of Neurology and Stroke Director at Buffalo General Medical Center. He joined WBEN on Friday and added the outcome of stroke disability is also extremely high.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.
"In the U.S., Kandel said 800 thousand people suffer stroke every year.
Of that number, one third are cases of recurrence. Two thirds are first time incidents."
Kandel noted that the problem with stroke is that it is not a one time disease.
"The disability it leaves behind, he said, are long lasting effects."
Kandel explained the difference between heart attack and stroke.
"Heart attack comes with pain. A stroke," he said, "is accompanied by pain 20% of the time."
He also noted that if a stroke occurs on the right side of the brain,
the person suffering may not even be aware of any symptoms.
The left side of the brain controls speech. If stroke occurs in the left side, the patient may have difficulty understanding or talking.
"There are specific areas of the brain that control movement. If those areas are involved there will be a weakness. The back of the brain controls balance and eyesight. The front of the brain controls personality and educative function. If those areas are involved, there may not be a weakness. But with a neuro exam or CT scan or MRI we may be able to see a component of injury."
All of this makes the detection of stroke, in Dr. Kandel's opinion, "really challenging."