August 2006

Four out of five American families will be touched by a stroke. While stroke is the number one cause of adult disability in the U.S., less brain damage can occur if fast action is taken after the first symptoms. Learn these warning signs — it may save a life.

Warning signs of a stroke may include the following symptoms:

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

If any of these stroke warning signs occur, immediately call 911.

According to the National Stroke Association, women, and particularly African-American women, need to be especially aware of these symptoms. More women than men die from strokes each year, and twice as many women die from strokes than breast cancer. The risk is higher for African-American women: about one-half will die from a stroke or heart disease.

While it is still not entirely clear why African-American women have a higher risk of having a stroke, some contributing factors to the disease are known. High blood pressure, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, obesity and smoking increase the risk of a stroke.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.