Golden Girl Rue McClanahan, 76, died today after suffering a stroke. Her manager, Barbara Lawrence told People magazine: “She passed away at 1 a.m. this morning. She had a massive stroke.” In November 2009, McClanahan had undergone bypass surgery. It was reported that she had had a mild stroke while recuperating from this surgery. Fellow Golden Girl co-star Betty White released a statement saying:

“Rue was a close and dear friend. I treasure our relationship… It hurts more than I ever thought it would, if that’s even possible.”

When people refer to a “massive stroke,” this usually refers to an episode where the blood flow to the brain is severely interrupted. This happens either because of a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. When the brain does not receive the blood and oxygen it needs, cells are destroyed. When a massive stroke occurs, the effects can be devastating; paralysis on one side of the body, inability to talk, or coma. Death can occur if bleeding occurs in a part of brain associated with vital functions such as breathing or control of heart rate or blood pressure.

We’ve touched upon several issues relating to strokes in the following articles:

Garrison Keillor Hospitalized with Minor Stroke - warning signs of stroke

Charlie Daniels Suffers Mild Stroke- use of TPA to treat strokes

Bret Michaels in Intensive Care Unit with Brain Hemorrhage- Hemorrhagic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage

Beau Biden Hospitalized with Mild Stroke- Stroke in younger individuals, Modifiable risk factors for stroke

Left: An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, as by a clot.
Right: A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts, leaking blood into the brain.

It never hurts to remind us all what the symptoms of a stroke are, as time is of the essence when it comes to survival and recovery!

Symptoms of a Stroke

For more information:

Resounding Health(tm) Cerebrovascular Disease