Last update:

07/01/2008

Symptoms Of A Stroke

 If you or a loved one, family member or friend experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

A stroke, often called a “brain attack” occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the brain gets blocked or bursts. When a stroke occurs, the affected part of the brain doesn’t get the blood it needs and this part of the brain starts to die.

What are the warning signs of a stroke?

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Some people report that they feel like a “shade is being pulled down over their eye.”
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

If you or a loved one, family member or friend experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately!

                                    Time lost is brain lost!

What are the risk factors for a stroke?

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity 
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity
• Carotid Artery Disease
• TIA or “mini stroke”
• Certain blood disorders

Risk Factors That Can’t Be Changed Include:

• Age--- Risk for stroke increases with age.
• Gender--- More men than women have a stroke each year. But, at all ages, more women than men die of stroke.
• Family History—If a parent, grandparent, brother or sister has had a stroke, you are at increased risk for having a stroke.
• Previous history of heart attack or stroke.---  If you have had a stroke, you are at much higher risk for having another one. If you have had a heart attack, you are also at increased risk for having a stroke.