Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel going to the brain is disrupted either by a blood clot or a ruptured vessel. This process is similar to that which occurs in a heart attack. Deprived of oxygen, the nerve cells in the affected area of the brain cannot function and often die. The parts of the body controlled by those cells are then unable to function.
Major Risk Factors for Stroke:
- High blood
pressure
- Diabetes
- Cigarette
smoking
- High blood
cholesterol
- Physical
inactivity
- Overweight/
obesity
|
Warning Signs of Stroke:
- 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
These symptoms come on SUDDENLY.
Stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1 immediately if you - or someone you are with - is having a stroke! |
For more information about stroke, download our 2011 Minnesota Stroke Fact Sheet (pdf 155 kb/2 pages)
