Stroke Warning Signs
If you or someone you're with displays one of these signs, don't delay! Call 911 immediately. An ambulance with advanced life support will be sent for you. Note the time the first symptoms appeared. A clot-bursting drug may be given that can greatly reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke if given within three hours of the onset of symptoms.
Stroke is a major cause of serious disability and even death. Brain damage can begin within minutes of a stroke, but it may take hours to notice symptoms since they are often overlooked.
The American Stoke Association urges everyone to know and recognize the warning signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
If you or someone you're with displays any of these signs, don't delay! Call 911 immediately. Note the time symptoms first appears. A clot-bursting drug can sometimes be used within three hours of initial symptoms to reduce the effects of a certain type of stroke.
Reduce Stroke Risks
Some risk factors - age, past strokes and family history of strokes - can't be controlled, but many others can. Check out the risk assessment scorecard for a quick snapshot of your risks. Then, take charge to reduce your risks:
- Know and control your blood pressure.
- Ask your doctor to check for atrial fibrillation.
- If you smoke or use other forms of tobacco, stop!
- If you are diabetic, follow your doctor's recommendations carefully to control your diabetes.
- Lower the sodium (salt) and fat in your diet.
- Include exercise in your daily routine and maintain a healthy weight.
- Control high cholesterol.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and personal goals for healthy living.