- Home
- Clinical Services
- INI Stroke Center & Stroke Network
Stroke month symtoms and prevention
Arteries carry a constant supply of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to your brain. A stroke occurs when one of these arteries to the brain is blocked or bursts. When this happens, the af
fected area of the brain does not get the blood it needs and is damaged, causing problems with walking, speaking, feeling or seeing. If you experience any of the symptoms below, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention:
- Sudden and severe headache
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness or trouble walking
- Sudden confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Sudden numbness or weakness in your face or limbs
Are You At Risk?
Everyone has some risk of stroke, but the following are some factors that may raise your risk:
- Over the age of 55
- African-American
- Having diabetes
- Family history of stroke
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillatio, an irregular heartbeat that can cause blood to pool in parts of your heart
Preventing stroke
According to the National Stroke Association, there are several simple preventative measures you can take to help reduce your risk of stroke:
- Know your blood pressure, and work with your doctor to control it if it is greater than 120/80.
- Find out if you have atrial fibrillation; your doctor can often tell simply by checking your pulse.
- If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles your risk of stroke.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stroke and interact with other drugs you are taking.
- Control your cholesterol. High cholesterol increases your risk of both heart disease and stroke.
- If you are diabetic, be sure to carefully control your blood sugar level.
- Exercise. It can help improve your overall health and may reduce your risk of stroke. Be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise program to ensure you have no underlying health problems first.
- Lower your salt and fat intake to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Check with your doctor to discover any circulation problems that could lead to blood clots or other blockages in the arteries.
For more information, visit the Web sites below:
