Warning signs of a stroke are threatening you

A person in an at-risk groupstrokeif affectedhigh blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, smoking or lack of exercise, obesity, older age. Knowing the warning signs can help you prevent and minimize the impact of a stroke.

"During a stroke, every minute counts. Prompt treatment reduces the brain damage a stroke can cause. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke gives you the ability to act quickly and save a life," says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Sudden numbness or weakness

You may have sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. When deprived of oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die.

People with stroke will have difficulty speaking. Illustration photo

The areas of the brain affected by a stroke cause negative effects. For example, the area of ​​the brain that regulates sensation is affected, resulting in numbness.

Temporary confusion or difficulty speaking

Symptoms of memory loss from a transient ischemic attack are usually temporary and vary depending on the area of ​​the brain affected. Patients with short-term memory loss will have vivid memories from long ago, but will have difficulty remembering events from today.

Vision loss in one or both eyes

After a stroke, you may have difficulty processing images or understanding what you see. The most common vision problem after a stroke affects your perception of the things around you.

Loss of balance

You may experience dizziness, loss of balance, or loss of coordination. If a stroke occurs in the cerebellum or brainstem, the areas of the brain that control balance, you may experience dizziness. You may feel like the world is moving or spinning.

Severe headache of unknown cause

Headache is a symptom of many diseases including stroke. Illustration: Hawaiipacifichealth

During a stroke, blood flow to part of the brain is cut off. Cells there don't get enough oxygen and begin to die. This can be due to a blocked blood vessel leading to a blood clot or a blood vessel bursting, causing bleeding in and around the brain. This results in a sudden headache.

What to do if you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke

The CDC says stroke treatments are most effective if they are detected within 3 hours of the first symptoms. If you think someone may be having a stroke, take this simple FAST test:

F (Face) - Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face drooping?

A (Arms) - Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S (Speech) - Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does he or she slur his or her words?

T (Time) - Time: If you see any of the above signs, call an ambulance immediately.