How to prevent a stroke when you feel it coming
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death for Americans and a leading cause of long-term disability. Each year, approximately 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, 610,000 of which are first-time strokes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures, causing parts of the brain to become damaged or die.
Future of open-heart surgery may be through the belly
Onset symptoms, which are sudden, may include:
Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination.
The CDC recommends the following 'FAST test,' with the help of someone nearby if possible, to identify a stroke and urges patients to seek medical attention.
Face: Smile to test if your face droops on one side.
Arms: Raise both arms to see if one arm is drifting downward.
Speech: Repeat a simple phrase to determine if speech is slurred.
Timing: Stroke treatments work best within three hours of the first symptoms, so call 911 immediately if you have any of these signs.
What causes a stroke? Learn the triggers and risk factors
Only a doctor can treat a stroke in progress, but you can adjust your lifestyle and maintain healthy habits to prevent one from developing. Doctors recommend eating well, exercising, limiting alcohol, not smoking and regularly checking cholesterol levels.
High blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are common conditions that put someone at risk for stroke, but managing them can lower your chances.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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