Recognizing stroke symptoms
May is National Stroke Month, a time to raise awareness of the devastating effects of stroke.
McLeod Health is the region’s leader in advanced stroke care. Our specially trained Stroke and Neurosciences team provides expert care utilizing the latest procedures designed to save lives and minimize the effects of stroke.
While it is true that 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and keeping blood pressure under control, it is still important that everyone learn to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
When an artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked through a narrowing or blood clot, then an Ischemic stroke occurs.
Common stroke symptoms patients experience includes:
Vision problems, such as blindness in one eye or double vision
Weakness in limbs, may be on one or both sides
Dizziness and vertigo
Confusion
Loss of coordination
Drooping of face on one side
If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms it should prompt you to realize that you may be having a stroke.
Once symptoms start it is crucial to get treatment as quickly as possible to make it less likely that any damage becomes permanent. Call 911 and get to the nearest emergency department.
