Stroke: Warning Signs and PreventionInformation from the UW Medicine Stroke Center at Harborview Medical Center
Five common warning signs
- Sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm or leg, especially if all 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
If you or someone you know may be having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.
A few recommendations to reduce the risk of stroke:
- Manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions identified by your doctor.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Follow a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and avoid illicit drug use.
- Participate in routine health care and work with your doctor to identify appropriate medical interventions, such as drug therapy or surgery.
