Symptoms of a Stroke

Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke

Jan 19, 2007 Jennifer Gerics

Strokes can kill so it's important to know the warning signs. Symptoms can come on quickly, making it imperative to seek immediate medical attention.

A stroke can be deadly: it is the result of a blockage or hemorrhaging of an artery, causing loss of oxygen to the brain. Certain symptoms are key to identifying a stroke. These signs need to be acted upon; medical attention is imperative.

Stroke symptoms can be intermittant or steady. They can last less than 24 hours (a transient attack), or they can worsen over time. There can be pain, such as a headache, and/or strange neurological sensations, such as numbness. The following are the most common stroke symptoms which if experienced, should be medically treated immediately:

Stroke Symptoms

• dizziness
• severe headache, usually sudden
• weakness on one side of the body: arms/legs/torso or all
• "pins-and-needles" or numbness on one side of the body
• facial weakness/loss of control of lips or tongue
• visual changes: doubled, "tunnel vision" (loss of peripheral sight), or blindness
• speech difficulties: loss of, slurred, or nonsense speech
• difficulty understanding others' speech
• incoordination: walking, grasping, or balancing problems
• loss of consciousness

Know the warning signs of a stroke. Get medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur. It's better to be wrong and still alive than stubborn and physically disabled or even dead. Consult with your doctor if you have a family history of stroke. Learn preventative measures and incorporate lifestyle changes. For further reference: http://www.mayoclinic.com.

***For more information about strokes, read Ischemic Stroke, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Stroke: TIA, and Stroke Diagnosis.

***For related neurological information, visit the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.

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