COMMON SYMPTONS OF STROKE
• 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
• Stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts!

 
Use the Face–Arm–Speech Test (FAST)

Three simple checks can help you recognize whether someone has had a stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack – TIA).

Facial weakness:
Is there symmetry on the face when the person smiles? Has their mouth or an eye drooped?

Arm weakness:
Can the person raise both arms?

Speech problems:
Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

Test these symptoms
 
TIA (Transient Ischemic Stroke) or mini-stroke

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, happens when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted for a very brief time.

The symptoms are very similar to a stroke but they are temporary – lasting a few minutes or hours, and then disappearing completely within 24 hours.

Never ignore a TIA (mini-stroke). It’s a warning sign.
 
Stroke Risk Factors

A stroke can happen to anyone, but some people are more at risk, here are some stroke risk factors:

Uncontrollable:
a. Age – common with > 55 yo
b. Sex (Men have more stroke than women under the age of 75)
c. Family History

Medically controlled:
a. High blood pressure
b. Heart disease
c. Diabetes Mellitus
d. Previous Stroke
e. High blood cholesterol

Patient Controlled:
a. Poor Diet
b. Too much alcohol
c. Inactivity or lack of Exercise
d. Smoking
 
How to reduce your risk?

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
• Stop smoking.
• Take regular exercise.
• Avoid heavy drinking.
• Cut down on salt and fatty foods.
• Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables.

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