What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain is either blocked or injured and ruptured. The blockage type of stroke (ischemic) is much more common, and are associated with other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc.
How do I know I’m having a stroke?
Symptoms of stroke are sudden neurological change, such as not able to move an arm, a leg, drooping in the face, not able to speak. The acronym F.A.S.T. helps us to remember this:
F: facial drooping
A: arm weakness
S: speech slurring or inability to come up with the right words or words not making sense
T: time to call 911
What should I do if I think I'm having a stroke?
Stroke is an emergency! Call 911 and act fast – because there is a possibility of a clot busting medication which can be given within a certain time window in some patients which can help to reduce the severity of the stroke.
How can I limit my risk of having a stroke?
Prevention is also key! A healthy weight, active life style, low fat and low salt diet, are all things you can do to prevent a stroke.
Where can I get more information about stroke?
I recently did a live webcast at Intermountain Medical Center on stroke. You are welcome to watch that webcast episode - WEBCAST: Stroke Awareness, Prevention and Treatment - to glean additional information, or visit Intermountain Medical Center's stroke website.