Strokes

A stroke, also known as a “CVA” (cerebrovascular accident) or “Brain attack”, is a true medical emergency.  If you see or have any of the following signs or symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!

A stoke generally happens suddenly, but the symptoms can begin gradually and become worse. It occurs when a blood vessel gets blocked by a blood clot or fatty plaque, and blood cannot get to a part of the brain, or when a vessel bleeds into the brain.

Stroke warning signs and symptoms are:

1) Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body,

2) Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding what someone else is saying,

3) Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes,

4) Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination,

5) Sudden, severe headache with no known cause or reason.

There are a number of risk factors for a stroke.  Some cannot be changed, such as:

1) Age- strokes risks double in each 10 years after age 55,

2) Heredity and Race- Risk is much higher for African Americans than for Caucasians, and for those with a close family member who has had a stroke,

3) Sex- men have more strokes than women,

4) Previous stroke, heart attack, or TIA (transient ischemic attack, or “warning strokes”, or “mini-strokes”)

There are some risk factors that a person might have that can be changed, treated or controlled.  You should see or be followed by your doctor or care giver if you have any of the following conditions:

1) High Blood Pressure

2) Smoking

3) Diabetes

4) High Blood cholesterol

5) Poor diet

6) Inactivity and being overweight

7) Atrial fibrillation

8) Artery or Heart disease

9) Sickle Cell Anemia