Behind cancer and heart disease, stroke is third leading cause of death in Minnesota. According to the most recent data from the state Department of Health, the condition affects nearly two percent of adults. When it comes to the body's nerve center, doctors say a stroke can cause critical damage. "It can be anywhere from loss of function all the way up through actual death," said Scott Helmers, M.D. of Mayo Clinic Health System.

KEYC Mankato by Joel Runck

Tags: Dr. Scott Helmers, KEYC Mankato, Mayo Clinic Health System, Research, stroke