May is American Stroke Month

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Do you know the signs of a stroke? A stroke is when the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen supply. This can happen if the arteries are blocked by a clot or the artery may have a weak spot and burst. When this happens parts of the brain start to die. Stoke is the number 3 killer and the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Every second counts. Become familiar with the following signs of a stroke.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Every second counts. Don't let a second go by; call 911 immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Effects Of A Stroke

One side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body.

Right Brain

If you have a stroke that occurs in the brain's right side, the left side of the body (and the right side of the face) will be affected producing any of the symptoms listed below:

• Paralysis on the left side of the body
• Vision problems
• Quick, inquisitive behavioral style
• Memory loss

Left Brain

If you have a stroke that occurs in the brain's left side, the right side of the body (and the left side of the face) will be affected, producing any of the symptoms listed below:

• Paralysis on the right side of the body
• Speech/language problems
• Slow, cautious behavioral style
• Memory loss

For More Information, Visit:

• www.stroke.org
• www.americanheart.org
• www.strokeassociation.org