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Patient Education | Stroke

What is a stroke?

 (A medical emergency! If you or someone is having these symptoms please call, 911)


Most strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery that carries blood to the brain. This can cause that part of the brain to be damaged, and you may lose control of a function that is controlled by that part of the brain. For example, you could lose the use of an arm or leg, or the ability to speak. The damage can be temporary or permanent, partial or complete. Doctors have found that if you get treatment right away after symptoms start, there is a better chance of getting the blood moving to your brain, and less chance of damage.

How do I know if I'm having a stroke?
If you have any of the following symptoms, call for emergency help immediately. The sooner you get help, the more doctors can do to prevent further or permanent damage.

  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
  • Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
  • Loss of speech, trouble talking or understanding what others are saying
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause
  • Unexplained dizziness, unstable walking or falling, especially along with any of the other symptoms

Another warning sign of a stroke is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a "mini-stroke" that can cause the symptoms listed above and may only last a few minutes, but should not be ignored. People who have a TIA are at greater risk of having a stroke later. Call your doctor immediately if you think you are having a TIA.

Risk factors for a stroke

  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol level
  • Smoking
  • Previous transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  • Heart disease
  • Carotid artery disease (the artery that carries blood to your brain)

Am I at risk for stroke?

  • Do you have high blood pressure or are presently taking medication for high blood pressure?
  • Do you have high cholesterol or do you take medication for high cholesterol/
  • Are you more than 20-30 lbs overweight?
  • Are you male?
  • Are you over 55 years of age?
  • Is there a family history of stroke or heart disease in your immediate family history?
  • Do you exercise less than 3-4 times a week for less than 20-30 minutes at a time?
  • Do have a long history of smoking?

If you have answered YES to 2 or more of the above risk factors you may benefit from a Stroke Screening and/or a Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening.
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