A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Every minute counts.
The good news? Your body often gives you warning signs before a major stroke happens.Knowing these signs can save your life or the life of someone you love.At Prolocum, we believe health education saves lives. Here are the early warning signs you must watch out for:

1. The FAST Method - The Most Important Signs

Remember F.A.S.T

• F - Face Drooping: One side of the face suddenly droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile. Is one side uneven?
• A - Arm Weakness: One arm becomes weak or numb. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?
• S - Speech Difficulty: Speech is slurred, strange, or they can’t speak/understand speech.
• T - Time to Call for Help: If you see any of these, call emergency services or go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY.

2. Other Early Warning Signs

Don’t ignore these too:

• Sudden Numbness: Numbness in face, arm, or leg - especially on one side of the body
• Sudden Confusion: Trouble understanding, sudden memory loss
• Sudden Trouble Seeing: Blurred vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden Trouble Walking: Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden Severe Headache: A very bad headache with no known cause
• Sudden Fatigue or Hiccups: Especially in women - unusual tiredness can be a sign

3. Mini-Stroke Warning: TIA (A transient ischemic attack)

Another possible warning sign of a stroke is a TIA,also known as a “ministroke.” A TIA occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted for a short period of time. While the symptoms of a TIA can mimic those of a stroke, the symptoms usually disappear within an hour In some cases, symptoms can persist for up to 24 hours.

Although the symptoms of a TIA usually don’t last long, it’s important to get medical attention, even if the symptoms go away. While a TIA usually resolves quickly, it may be a sign that a more serious stroke could happen down the road. In fact, it’s estimated that about one third people who have a TIA will have a more severe stroke in the future.

Interestingly, a recent study confirmed that while having a TIA can be a precursor to a stroke, the number of people experiencing an acute stroke within 90 days of a TIA has decreased in recent years. This could be an indication that preventive measures following a TIA are effective at preventing stroke.

 A TIA or "Mini-Stroke" has the same symptoms but they go away within minutes.This is a MAJOR warning that a bigger stroke may happen soon.If you experience TIA symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Don’t wait.

4. Who is at Higher Risk?

• People with High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, High Cholesterol
• Smokers and Heavy Alcohol Drinkers
• People who are Overweight or Don’t Exercise
• Family History of Stroke

What To Do If You Notice These Signs

• Act FAST - Don’t "wait and see"
• Note the time the symptoms started. This helps doctors.
• Go to the nearest hospital or call for emergency help.
• Do not drive yourself if you are the one having symptoms.

5. What can you do to reduce your risk of a stroke?

Although you may not be able to completely prevent a stroke,you can take steps to greatly  reduce your risk with the following preventive steps:

• Try to keep your blood pressure within a healthy range
• Know your cholesterol level, and have your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years.
• Get checked for any heart issues and follow a treatment plan as needed.
• Monitor and control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
• If you smoke, consider quitting.
• Maintain a moderate weight.
• Try to exercise all or most days of the week.
• Eat a diet that limits saturated fats and cholesterol.
• Take any medications to manage and treat known health conditions.

Stroke symptoms may seem to come on suddenly, but there may be warning signs in some situations. A severe headache, or any unusual type of headache, is one potential warning sign of a stroke.

Having a TIA, or “ministroke,” may also be a precursor to a more serious stroke. While the stroke-like symptoms usually resolve within an hour, it’s still important to get prompt medical attention. By getting a timely diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to lower your risk of a future stroke.

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of your brain is blocked or interrupted. This prevents the brain cells from getting the oxygen and nutrients needed to survive.A stroke is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke can help you get help as quickly as possible.Although stroke symptoms seem to happen out of the blue, there may, in some situations, be potential warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.Stroke is a medical emergency. Quick action can prevent brain damage and save lives.Share this with your family and friends. It might save someone’s life.

Disclaimer: This article is for health education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience any of these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately.