Know the Warning Signs

A stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition resulting from lack of blood flow to certain parts of the brain. Fortunately, new treatments can help if applied quickly – within 3 hours. At the BHS Stroke Center, we use advanced clot-busting therapies and techniques to significantly reduce damage.

The best defense against stroke is knowing the warning signs. Indicators include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of 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

If you experience or witness someone else experiencing any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

In addition to treating strokes as they occur, the BHS Stroke Center exists to help you prevent this condition. By treating other ailments and changing your lifestyle, we can help greatly reduce your risk of stroke. The following risk factors can be treated or changed:

• High blood pressure
• Tobacco use
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Carotid or other artery disease
• TIAs (or “mini-strokes”)
• Atrial fibrillation or other heart disease
• Certain blood disorders, like Sickle Cell Anemia
• High blood cholesterol
• Physical inactivity and obesity
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Illegal drug use

Stroke is the leading cause of severe, long-term disability. With advanced screenings, education, rehabilitation and our Emergency Department, the BHS Stroke Center can help you lessen the risk or degree of stroke.