How to Recognize Signs of a Stroke?

Strokes, blood clots in the brain, are the third leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 160,000 Americans each year. Even those who survive a stroke may be debilitated for life. The largest factor in surviving or reducing the damage from a stroke is recognizing it in time to get proper medical attention. Here are the most common warning signs of a stroke, along with some advice for stroke prevention.

Any combination of the following could indicate a stroke:

*Numbness in the face or the limbs, especially if it is limited to one side of the body.

*Behavioral problems, like trouble speaking or confusion.

*Sight problems, especially in one eye.

*Dizziness, problems walking, or limited coordination.

*Unexplained, sudden, and severe headache

Make sure you note the time when these symptoms began, as the total elapsed time will be important for treatment. Not all of these will necessarily occur, and even if they go away or fade, a stroke may still be in progress. It is better to be safe than sorry.

If you or another are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. The quicker the patient receives attention, the better, as certain treatments work best within the first three hours of a stroke. If you or a family member or friend is at risk for a stroke, make sure you collect the relevant contact information ahead of time to speed up this process. Make sure you have contact info for relevant emergency services, as well as the nearest stroke treatment center. Make sure you know how to get to the nearest medical facility if no ambulance will be arriving. The patient may protest medical attention, but do not listen! Quick and decisive action could save his or her life.

Perhaps the best medicine against stroke is prevention. Simple changes in lifestyle can greatly reduce the chances of death or debilitation from a stroke. Many of the risk factors for heart disease (the number one killer of Americans) also affect strokes. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, Diabetes, and obesity all contribute to stroke prevalence. Eating right and exercising can help alleviate these problems. Smoking is also a major factor, so quitting will also greatly reduce stroke risks.