May is National Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke is caused by a blocked or burst blood vessel in the brain. Without a steady flow of blood, brain tissue begins to die. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and getting immediate treatment can save brain tissue, and with it, memories and abilities.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke is caused by a blocked or burst blood vessel in the brain. Without a steady flow of blood, brain tissue begins to die. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and getting immediate treatment can save brain tissue, and with it, memories and abilities. Know the symptoms of stroke, and call 9-1-1 immediately if you, or someone you know, experiences:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
In addition to or instead of the traditional stroke signs, a woman may have:
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Falls or accidents
- Sudden pain in the face, chest, arms or legs
- Seizure
- Sudden hiccups
To learn more about stroke, visit
stroke.meritcare.com.