Articles

Stroke

A stroke happens when the brain does not get enough blood. This kills brain cells.
Many adults die from strokes.

Strokes can change the way a person thinks, speaks, sees, and moves. After a
stroke, it may be harder to care for yourself or to have a job.

The good news is many people who have had a stroke can get back some or all of
their skills. Speech and physical therapy can help.

There are two major causes of stroke:

A blood clot from another part of the body blocks a blood vessel or artery in the
brain.
An artery bleeds in or around the brain.

Who has strokes?

•        Adults over the age of 40 are most likely to have strokes. Younger adults and
kids can also have them.
•        About the same number of men and women have strokes.
•        People of all races are at risk for stroke. African-Americans are almost twice as
likely to die from a stroke as whites. African-Americans often have more damage.
•        People with heart disease may have a bigger risk of stroke. Certain kinds of
heart disease can cause blood clots.

How Can You Lower Your Risk of Stroke?

Control your blood-pressure – having high blood pressure adds to the chances of
having a stroke. One out of three people with high blood pressure does not know
it. Get your blood pressure checked often.
Control your diabetes – Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the brain and
increase the chance of having a stroke. Follow your doctor’s advice to control
your diabetes.
Stop smoking – Smoking can cause blood clots. It can also make blood
pressure higher. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about ways to quit.
Exercise daily – Exercise makes the heart stronger and blood flow better. It can
also help you control your weight. Being heavy increases the chance of diseases.

Don’t ignore the signs of a stroke (see below). Even if you feel better in a few minutes
or hours, you may have had a “mini-stroke”. Mini-strokes may put you at risk for a full-
blown stroke later. Call 911 if you have any of these warning signs:

Your face feels numb
Your arm or leg gets weak or numb
You lose part or all of your sight in one or both eyes
You have a hard time talking and/or understanding other people
Your get a very bad headache for no reason
You get dizzy or fall all of a sudden

The FDA has approved a few drugs to prevent and treat stroke. Ask your doctor for
more information.

To Learn More…

FDA’s Office of Women’s Health website: www.fda.gov/womens

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Information Office
Phone: 301-496-5751
Web: www.ninds.hih.gov

National High Blood Pressure Education Program c/o NHLBI Information Center
Phone: 301-592-8573

The National Stroke Association
Phone: 1-800-STROKES (1-800-787-6537)
Web: www.stroke.org

This article is by The FDA Office of Women’s Health