Stroke: 5 signs that everyone should know

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One of the biggest misconceptions about stroke is because it only happens to elderly people. Although age is a risk factor, and the likelihood of a stroke increases with age, anyone can have a stroke.

A stroke occurs when a blockage stops blood flow to the brain or when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts. Although many people think of stroke as a condition that only affects the elderly, strokes can and do occur in people of all ages. In fact, nearly a quarter of all strokes occur in people younger than 65.

Learn the signs and symptoms:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one or both sides of the body
• Sudden loss of vision
• Sudden inability to speak or understand
• Sudden drooping of face, hands, difficulty walking
• “Worst headache of my life”

David Miller, MD, medical director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Stroke Center, says:

“Thanks to advances in technology and medicine, we now have new treatments and therapies for treating stroke and reducing the risk of permanent damage or death. Stroke remains the leading cause of serious chronic disability, such as paralysis, speech problems, memory problems, and emotional problems.

To reduce or even prevent stroke, you can do the following:

• Don't smoke
• Control your blood pressure – and take your medicine if prescribed
• Reduce and maintain your cholesterol
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise

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