Frequently Asked Questions

If you notice any signs or symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. The chance that you will survive and recover from a stroke is higher if you get emergency treatment right away.

A Stroke or "Brain Attack" occurs when a clogged or burst artery limits blood flow to the brain causing brain cells to die. When brain cells die, function of the body parts controlled by that part of the brain become lost or impaired. If you notice any signs or symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. The chance that you will survive and recover from a stroke is higher if you get emergency treatment right away.

  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm,and/or leg, especially on one side of the body. Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements.
  • Sudden and severe headache with no apparent cause.
  • Sudden blurred or decreased vision on one or both eyes.
  • Sudden loss of balance or incoordination - especially when combined with
    another warning sign.

Who is most susceptible:

  • Those people, who do not see their physician, do not take their medication, and or follow a healthy life style. Also, the African American, Latino and Asian are at a higher risk for stroke. More men then women have strokes – more women die from stroke then breast Cancer.

Does family history play a role in having a stroke?

  • Yes. You should be on alert if stroke runs in your family.

What are the risk factors for stroke?

  • Several conditions and certain lifestyle choices can put people at higher risk for stroke. The most important risk factors are:
    • High blood pressure
    • Heart disease
    • Diabetes
    • Cigarette smoking
    • Prior stroke
    • High Cholesterol
    • Atrial Fibrillation

Everyone can take steps to lower the risk for stroke!

  • By seeing your physicial, taking medicines ordered, and follow a healthy life style, you may leave yourself less at risk from having a stroke.
· Delaware Valley Stroke Council, 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 903 / Philadelphia, PA 19102 · Phone: 215-772-9040 Fax: 215-772-9042 E-mail: info@phillystroke.org ·