Ask the Dr. with Deborah Sheehan, M.D.

What we learned last month...Strokes 101

Stroke is a brain attack, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. Recognizing symptoms and acting fast to get medical attention can save a life and limit disabilities.

Know the symptoms. Common stroke symptoms include:
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.

Use the F.A.S.T test for recognizing and responding to stroke symptoms:

F=FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A=ARMS As the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S=SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T=TIME If you observe any of these signs, it's time to call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest stroke center or hospital.

Reduce Stroke Risk
Everyone has some stroke risk. Some risk factors are beyond your control, including being over age 55, being a male (stroke is more common in men than women at younger ages, but more women experience strokes at older ages and more women than men die from stroke), being African-American, having diabetes, and having a family history of stroke. If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is even more important that you learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to prevent a stroke.

1. Know your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to lower it.
2. Find out from your doctor if you have atrial fibrillation.
3. If you smoke, stop.
4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
5. Find out if you have high cholesterol. If so, work with your doctor to control it.
6. If you are diabetic, follow your doctor's recommendations carefully to control your diabetes.
7. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine.
8. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.
9. Ask your doctor how you can lower your risk of stroke.
10. Know the symptoms of stroke. (As previously stated).