Vioxx and Strokes

Vioxx has been shown to increase a patient’s risk of stroke occurrence. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain stops. The two types of stroke are ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel or artery in the brain, and a hemorrhagic stroke, caused when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and spills blood into the surrounding tissue. Brain cells in the area begin to die, either because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function, or they are killed by the rupture of the vessel and sudden spill of blood.

The symptoms of stroke happen immediately:

• numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs (especially on one side of the body)

• confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• vision disturbances in one or both eyes

• dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination

• severe headache with no known cause

The effects of a stroke range from mild to severe depending on the type of stroke, area of the brain affected, and the extent of the damage. Those who have survived a stroke may experience paralysis, pain, or numbness, as well as problems with thinking and speaking, and emotional changes. Contact your doctor immediately if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms after taking Vioxx.

If you or someone you know suffered a stroke after taking Vioxx, call or
e-mail our Houston and Dallas Vioxx-Stroke attorneys at 1-800-683-8383 and find out your legal rights.