May is American Stroke Month, so it’s a good time to review prevention tips as well as the warning signs of a stroke. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. Each year nearly as many Americans have a stroke as have a heart attack, and more than 133,000 of them die due to stroke.
Are You at Risk?
High blood pressure causes a higher risk of stroke. While many associate strokes with older Americans, there are a number of factors that can cause higher blood pressure in younger individuals as well. New medications, poor diet, high stress, and other factors can increase blood pressure.
Other risk factors include:
- Atrial fibrillation (AFIB)
- High cholesterol
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Diabetes
- Circulation problems
If you have one or more stroke risk factors, be sure to talk to your primary care physician about the best way to prevent stroke.
Recognizing a Stroke
A popular method for recognizing when someone is having a stroke is described with the acronym FAST. This stands for: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. If you think someone may be having a stroke, ask them to smile, raise an arm, and say a short sentence. If you notice face drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking, call 911 immediately.
There are another of other common stroke symptoms, such as sudden onset of:
- Confusion
- Numbness in face or limbs
- Vision difficulties
- Dizziness, loss of coordination, or trouble walking
- Severe headache
If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, contact emergency services right away. Prompt treatment could mean the difference between life and death.
Many medications can cause a higher risk for stroke. If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke due to medication, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
