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Stroke
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Brain Attack

Warning Signs Of A Stroke

If you observe one or more of these signs of a stroke or "brain attack," don't wait, call a doctor or 911 right away!

• 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.
• Sudden difficulty speaking or trouble understanding speech.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls, especially with any of the other signs.

Warning signs may last a few moments and then disappear. They are signs of a serious condition that won't go away without medical help.

Risk Factors For A Stroke

Stroke prevention is still the best medicine. The most important treatable conditions linked to stroke are:

• High blood pressure. Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise to reduce blood pressure. Drugs are also available.
• Cigarette smoking. Medical help is available to help quit.
• Heart disease. Your doctor will treat your heart disease and may also prescribe medication to help prevent the formation of clots. If you are over 50, NINDS scientists believe you and your doctor should make a decision about aspirin therapy.
• Diabetes. Treatment can delay complications that increase the risk of stroke.
• Transient ischemic attacks. These are brief episodes of stroke's warning signs and can be treated with drugs or surgery.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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