Signs of a Stroke

February is Heart Health Month - look for advice throughout the month intended to help you manage cardio-related health concerns.

Knowing the signs of stroke is crucial, as prompt treatment is necessary to help reduce the damage that can be caused by a "brain attack." Be aware of these classic stroke symptoms:

1. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
2. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the face
3. Difficulty speaking
4. Sudden disorientation, confusion or memory loss
5. Dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination
6. Severe headache that comes on suddenly with no apparent cause

The American Stroke Association suggests that anyone can identify a stroke by checking for the signs of facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems. As a bystander, you can help to determine if someone is having a stroke by asking them to perform three simple actions:

1. Ask the person to smile
2. Ask the person to raise both arms above his or her head
3. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence

If the person has any problems completing these steps, call 911 immediately and describe these symptoms.