Dick Fields, Public Affairs Officer
The symptoms of stroke are: Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg- especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion or 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. Bystanders should know the the signs and act in time. Because stroke injures the brain, one is not able to perceive one’s own problems. If you believe someone is having a stroke, if they lose the ability to speak, or move an arm or leg on one side or experience facial paralysis on one side- call 911 immediately! Stroke is a medical emergency; immediate treatment may save a life and improve his or her chances at recovery and rehabilitation. To reduce your risk of stroke, monitor your blood pressure, track your cholesterol level, stop smoking, exercise regularly- even 20 minutes twice a week-and ask your doctor if you should be taking aspirin to reduce clotting.
