May Is Stroke Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and for good reason — many people have no idea the true extent of the havoc strokes wreak on American adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in twenty United States deaths can be attributed to stroke. Read on to learn the basics, including symptoms and common risk factors.

Who Is at Risk?

A variety of factors can increase your risk of suffering a stroke. Some are not within your control, such as:

• Age: The older you get, the greater your risk of experiencing a stroke.
• Race: African Americans are more likely to suffer strokes as they age.
• Gender: Women suffer more strokes than men.
• Family history: Strokes appear to have a genetic link.

The good news? Some risk factors can be addressed:

• Smoking
• Diet
• Physical inactivity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

Common Signs of a Stroke

Prompt medical assistance is critical in the aftermath of a stroke — every minute counts. Quick identification is of paramount importance. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Numbness of the face or arms — primarily on one side
• Dizziness
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty walking
• Inability to see out of both eyes
• Severe headaches

When to Seek Medical Attention

Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend using the FAST test to determine when medical attention is warranted in response to the stroke symptoms outlined above:

• Face: If the person tries to smile, does one side of his or her face droop?
• Arms: Can the person hold both up both arms? Or does one drift downward?
• Speech: Is the person able to repeat simple phrases without slurring words?
• Time: Seek emergency assistance as soon as possible if you observe the FAS signs highlighted above. Negligence can prove devastating in high-stakes situations such as stroke treatment.

Regan Zambri Long PLLC can help you secure the damages you deserve. Reach out today to learn more about our approach to personal injury cases.