Prevention is the best medicine
A stroke can happen to anyone, but about 80% of strokes are preventable. The key? Having a conversation with your family doctor about your risk, and working with them to manage your health.
Our providers can help you:
- Control high blood pressure – the #1 risk factor for stroke
- Manage cholesterol and diabetes – which both increase your stroke risk
- Create a healthy lifestyle plan
- Know the warning signs of stroke
Knowing the right types of questions to ask is helpful. You could start with a simple question like, “What can I do to lower my risk of stroke?” But if you want more detailed information that applies specifically to you, consider asking these questions:
- Does my family history put me at a higher risk?
- Do I have any conditions that increase my risk?
- How often should I have my blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked?
- Are there any specific lifestyle changes you recommend for me?
- How do I know if I’m having a stroke?
The American Stroke Association has a helpful Stroke Risk Assessment tool that can help you to start thinking about your current risk level. You should discuss the results with your doctor.
Know the signs of stroke
Time is brain when you’re having a stroke. A stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow or a blood vessel bursts, stopping oxygen from reaching the brain. This can cause brain damage within minutes. Getting medical help right away is critical. Fast treatment can save your life and improve your recovery.
BE FAST. Save a life.
Every second counts when it comes to stroke. When you know the signs, you can act quickly and save a life – possibly even your own. Use the BE FAST method to spot stroke symptoms:
Balance: Sudden dizziness, low of balance, or coordination
Eyes: Blurred vision or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb
Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Time: Call 9-1-1 immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Diagnosing and Assessing Stroke
When it’s believed you have had a stroke, we may use a combination of tests, like CT scans and MRIs, as well as blood and heart function tests to determine the type and severity of your stroke.
After a stroke
A stroke can change your life in an instant. Our experts at NMC Health Neurology Specialists will support you and help you regain your strength and independence. Healing takes time, but with the right care and support, recovery is possible. And we’ll help you every step of the way.
FAQs
Talk with your doctor to see if you are at risk for having stroke. He or she will be able to assess whether your risk is mild, moderate, or severe.
Some factors that could put you at risk for stroke are:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Not exercising or eating healthy
- Diabetes
- Overweight
- Poor diet
- Alcohol use
- Certain medications
- Age
- Family history
- Male
- Pregnant women with preeclampsia or high blood pressure
- Race
- Irregular heartbeat
Lower your risk of a stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices and managing your existing medical conditions.
- Check your blood pressure regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Manage diabetes and cholesterol
- Treat atrial fibrillation (AFib)
You may want to ask your provider a few questions, such as:
- Which type of stroke did I have?
- How will having a stroke change what I can and can’t do?
- Will I need physical therapy and rehab?
- Will I have any long-term effects?
- Are there any other lifestyle changes I should make?
- Should I take aspirin or a prescription medication to help prevent another stroke?
There is life after a stroke! Stroke recovery looks different for everyone, but here are some things you might expect:
- Stabilizing your condition and preventing more damage in the hospital
- Evaluations to determine the stroke’s effects on your speech, movement, memory, and overall function
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy often begin right away. These therapies help you move, speak, and think better.
- You may need to take medications and make changes to your diet and daily habits to prevent another stroke.
Unfortunately, about one in four stroke survivors will have another stroke. You can help prevent a second stroke:
- Keep your follow-up appointments.
- Take your recommended meds. Need to make a change? Talk with your doctor first.
- Work with your doctor to determine if you have other previously unknown risk factors – and keep working to bring your blood pressure and cholesterol to goal.
- Talk with your doctor about how to stop smoking.
- Create a plan for physical activity that’s right for you.
