May is Stroke Awareness Month

A stroke can be defined as similar as a heart attack, but it occurs in the brain. It happens when a blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain becomes blocked by a clot or bursts. As a result, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it begins to die. You are more likely to have a stroke if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, have a family history of stroke, use tobacco, get migraine headaches, have diabetes, are overweight, or do not exercise. Signs that a stroke may be occurring include 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, and sudden severe headaches with no known cause. When you suspect that you or someone else may be experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately! Every second counts!