What to Do If You're Having a Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the brain is blocked by a clot or when the vessel bursts. As the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off, the brain starts to die.

Stroke signs include:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side of the body
• Confusion and disorientation
• Nausea and headache
• Trouble seeing with one eye or both eyes
• Trouble walking, speaking, or understanding

What to do if you have a stroke:

Lack of awareness about stroke signs and symptoms can cause much physical harm. The key to surviving is to act fast. Since stroke injures the brain, you may not realize that you are having a stroke. The people around may not know it either. If you think you are having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Even if the symptoms subside, call for medical help.

Time is crucial in treating a stroke. The sooner the patient experiencing a stroke reaches emergency care, the more likely the stroke can be limited and managed to prevent further damage. After emergency treatment for a stroke, when the condition is stabilized, further treatment focuses on preventing another stroke and monitoring such risk factors as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or abnormal heart rhythm.

For more information on stroke, see below:

Ten Best Supplements for Heart Health

Blood Pressure Predicts Stroke Risk