Ann Edwards (right) listens as her husband, former South Carolina Gov. Jim Edwards, explains how doctors at MUSC last year removed a five-centimeter long blockage from an artery in his brain that was the cause of his stroke. Brad Nettles/staff
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.
When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.
When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory.
How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.
Source: National Stroke Association
How to check/respond to a possible stroke? Use the FAST test
F: Face - Check ability to fully smile; look for drooping
A: Arm - Can they raise their arms? Are they weak?
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A year after surviving a stroke, Gov. Edwards wants others to learn