To reduce your risk of death or disability from stroke you should:1. Be able to recognize the warning signs of a stroke so youcan seek immediate treatment.2. Change certain lifestyle habits that damage the bloodvessels of the body.Both of these measures will be discussed in the next section.
To reduce your risk of death or disability from stroke, learn to recognize the warningsigns of a stroke so you can seek immediate treatment.The symptoms of stroke are fairly noticeable because they happen quickly. The signsof a stroke include the following 5 elements.1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or legespecially on one side of the body2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination5. Sudden, severe headache with no known causeSometimes the warning signs may only last a few moments and then disappear. Theseshort strokes are known as “mini-strokes,” transient ischemic attacks or TIAs. Even if they last for a short period, you should not ignore them. You should check with your doctor.If not treated, “mini-strokes” can be followed by more severe strokes that can causepermanent disability. Severe strokes can also lead to death or a coma.
Stroke is a medical emergency, so learn to recognize signs and symptoms of stroke!Do not ignore the signs of stroke, even if they go away.Check the time. When did the first symptom start?
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Last reviewed: 02/25/2008