Signs, Symptoms & Risk Factors of a Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in America, the fifth leading cause to be exact. Each year, 185,000 people die from a stroke. Surprisingly, even though it is a leading cause of death, a lot of people know very little about strokes and how to recognize them. Learning the signs and symptoms of a stroke can save yours or a loved ones life.

A stroke can impact your body in many different ways, and no two strokes are the same. There are numerous conditions that will develop after a stroke. Most of them are common conditions and improve with rehabilitation and time. Physical conditions include weakness, fatigue, numbness, and stiffness. It is also common to experience difficulty with swallowing, trouble picking up the front part of your foot causing you to drag your toes, muscle weakness on one side of the body, and incontinence. Slurred speech, confusions and trouble understanding speech, trouble seeing with one or both eyes, a sudden or severe headache, and trouble walking or balancing. Paralysis is one of the most common side effects of a stroke. When you suffer from paralysis, you lose the ability to function muscles in certain parts of your body. It can occur on one or both sides of the body or it can be widespread. Paralysis happens because your brain is struggling to communicate messages to your muscles. Other side effects include seizures, epilepsy, sleep problems, and trouble with vision. All of these symptoms are treatable and typically get better with the proper care and treatment plan.

No two strokes are the same. Most of the side effects caused by a stroke are treatable and will improve with rehabilitation and time. It is incredible important to seek medical attention as early as possible in order to prevent the most damage.

You have to act FAST and seek medical attention as soon as possible.