A stroke—sometimes also referred to as a “brain attack”—is caused by an interrupted supply of blood to the brain from the heart. Without the proper blood flow, the brain cannot function correctly. Given that the brain is a vital organ—literally controlling everything we do from speaking, to walking and breathing—it is very important to know the signs, symptoms and risk factors involved with stroke.

Barbara Small, RN, nurse specialist at the NorthShore Stroke Program outlines some the common facts:

Risk Factors

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Carotid Artery Disease
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Overweight
• Lack of Exercise

Common Stroke Symptoms

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially occurring 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

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, please call 911 immediately.

What are you doing to reduce your risk for stroke?

--

Additional Resources

• American Stroke Association
• National Stroke Association
• Joint Commission Certified Stroke Centers