Can you name the major warning signs of stroke? If not, you’re not alone. Three out of four Americans struggle to name just one stroke warning sign.

Considering that stroke affects an estimated 750,000 Americans each year, that’s alarming.

Stroke, which is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, can happen to anyone at any time.

Fully one-third of stroke patients are between the ages of 20 and 64 years old. And among this population, incidents of stroke has jumped 25 percent in recent years.

The quicker treatment is administered, the more likely that a stroke patient will survive.

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks the blood flow to the brain; hemorrhagic strokes involve blood from a ruptured vessel leaking into the brain. According to the American Stroke Association, ischemic strokes account for the majority of all strokes (87 percent.).

What are “mini strokes”?

A mini stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (or TIA), involves the temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. A mini stroke is considered a warning sign that a major stroke could be coming.

Signs & Symptoms of Stroke

As it turns out, the signs and symptoms of stroke can vary greatly from person to person.

And they often come on suddenly.

The American Stroke Association recommends knowing “F.A.S.T.”:

Face drooping: One side of the face may droop. Ask the person to smile and check if the smile is lopsided.

Arm Weakness: One arm may be weaker or even numb. Ask the person to raise both arms and see if one arm isn’t lifted to its full height.

Speech: Is the person suffering from slurred speech, or difficulty talking? Are words out of order or is the person seemingly talking gibberish? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

Time to call 911: If a person is showing even one of these symptoms, call 911. They need to get to the hospital for treatment immediately.

There are other possible symptoms of stroke that mustn’t be ignored. They include sudden numbness or weakness of the arms, face, or leg (especially on one side), confusion and trouble understanding speech, difficulty seeing in one eye, trouble walking (dizziness and a loss of balance or coordination), sudden onset of nausea and vomiting, and a sudden, severe headache.

What to Do

Seconds count when it comes to stroke. If you recognize the symptoms of stroke, call 911 immediately. If you believe you are having a stroke, try to lie down and remain calm. Either call 911 yourself, if you’re able, or let someone else do it for you. Help is on the way.

If you are with someone who may be having a stroke, while you wait for first responders, stay with your friend, or loved one, and take note of their condition.

• What stroke symptoms do they seem to be experiencing?

• When did the symptoms begin?

• Did they fall and hit their head?

• What medications are they currently taking?

When help arrives, you’ll be able to give the EMTs some critical information.

You should also make sure that the person who may be having a stroke is in a safe, comfortable position, preferably lying down on one side, with their head slightly raised.

An Ounce of Prevention

Knowing the signs of stroke is critical, but so is prevention.

Experts say up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.

While you can’t control certain risk factors, such as age or family history, you can make some lifestyle changes that could substantially reduce your risk of suffering a stroke.

Losing weight, maintaining a low blood pressure, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and having regular check-ups to ensure good health can help keep your risk of stroke lower.

Also, make sure your doctor knows if heart disease, strokes, or aneurysms run in your family – this could increase your risk of stroke.

If you’re concerned about your risk of stroke, see your doctor.

The Rehabilitation Center of Thibodaux Regional offers comprehensive care for stroke and other neurological and orthopaedic illnesses or injuries.

The Center’s Stroke Specialty Program has received the highest accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. For more information call 985-493-4731.

— Jan Torres is program director at Rehabilitation Center of Thibodaux Regional