Quinnipiack Valley Health District

Have you (or someone close to you) ever: Suddenly felt weak in an arm, hand or leg? Lost sensation on one side of your face or body? Suddenly lost vision in one eye? Suddenly have a hard time talking? Not been able to understand what someone was saying? Felt dizzy enough to lose balance? Had the worst headache you've ever had? If you have answered "yes" to any of the above, you may be missing IMPORTANT WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE. You may have some or all of them. They may last just a few minutes to 24 hours.

Brain attack, commonly known as stroke, is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U. S. In Connecticut, more than 1,800 residents die from stroke each year. About 10% of brain attacks are preceded by "temporary strokes" (transient ischemic attacks or TIAs.) A TIA has many of the same symptoms of a brain attack but is lasts a relatively short period of time, usually 24 hours of less. TIAs should not be ignored: they may signal a problem that can lead to a disabling or fatal brain attack.

It is never too late to learn and take action against stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency. Learn the warning signs of stroke and teach them to others. Every second counts to minimize damage and prevent death.

STROKE WARNING SIGNS

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.

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF ANY OF THESE OCCUR

Some risk factors for stroke are inherited, some are a function of aging but some are preventable. You can reduce your risk of stroke. Risk factors that cannot be changed are age; heredity; male gender; race; diabetes mellitus; and prior brain attack. However increased blood pressure is a primary cause of stroke and you can control your blood pressure. You need to measure your blood pressure and treat if it is high. Other lifestyles changes that can reduce the risk of stroke include: Getting medical treatment for heart disease or TIAs; quitting smoking; increasing physical activity; eating a diet to lower blood cholesterol; avoiding excessive alcohol intake; losing weight; taking care of diabetes, and getting checked for circulatory disorders. Respond immediately if someone shows the symptoms of a brain attack. Get medical help right away. Quick immediate intervention results in increased odds for survival or recovery. For more information on strokes, see the following:


Quinnipiack Valley Health District 1151 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473	Phone. (203) 248-4528 Fax. (203) 248-6671 E-Mail. info@qvhd.org

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Strokes