Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke
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May is National Stroke Month--let's take this time to go over the signs of a stroke to ensure you can act quickly if you or a loved one is having an attack.
Did you know that having a stroke is just as serious as having a heart attack? According to the National Institute of Aging, it is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of serious adult disability. In addition, the risk of having a stroke increases as we age.
Recognizing the signs of a stroke will allow you to act fast--which can be the difference between life or death. If these signs are present, you should call 911 right away.
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Trouble speaking, thinking or walking due to a change in blood flow through the brain. These include slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech; sudden loss of balance or coordination; and sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech.
- Difficulty seeing in one eye or both eyes or double vision.
- Sudden dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause or warning, which may be due to bleeding in the brain.
Lower Your Risk!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that lifestyle choices can increase your risk for stroke. Below are some ways to help lower your it.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Your diet should consist of food that are low in cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium, such as fruits and vegetables. Consult your dietitian to ensure that your meal plan is appropriate for your specific condition.
- Stay active. Not getting enough physical activity can lead to other health conditions that increase the risk of stroke, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you are a CenterLight PACE participant, speak with your Physical and Occupational Therapists regarding what exercises and physical activities are right for you.
- Control high blood pressure and cholesterol. Speak with your medical provider regarding risks, prevention, and the treatment right for you.
- Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking can contribute to damaging the heart and blood vessels. In addition, nicotine raises blood pressure.
- Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure as well as the level of triglycerides, a form of fat in your blood that can harden arteries.
Lastly, see your medical provider regularly. It is important to monitor your health and treat health conditions properly to be able to minimize your risk of a stroke.
CenterLight Healthcare PACE se compromete a proporcionar información precisa relacionada con la salud para ayudar a las personas a vivir bien, mantenerse sanas y tomar decisiones bien informadas sobre la atención sanitaria. La información contenida en este material es estrictamente educativa. Recomendamos a los usuarios que consulten con su proveedor médico acerca de su atención.
This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
Fuentes:
- Risk Factors for Stroke, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2024
- Stroke: Signs, Causes, and Treatment, National Institute on Aging, February 2023
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Updated April 16, 2025