News Release

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR A STROKE?
DO YOU KNOW WARNING SIGNS?

May 12, 2005 — Are you at risk for a brain attack (stroke) but don’t know it? Do you know the warning signs of a brain attack? What should you do if someone is having a stroke?

During National Stroke Awareness Month in May, medical director James McLaughlin, DO, of the UPMC Northwest Stroke Program is urging area residents to learn more about brain attack and what to do in the event of a stroke.

Many factors can increase a person’s risk of having a brain attack, including such unchangeable factors as age, personal or family history of stroke, male gender, diabetes and race (African Americans have more than twice the risk), Dr. McLaughlin says.

But you can reduce risks like high blood pressure, high blood lipids and cholesterol, smoking, narrowed carotid arteries, atrial fibrillation, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet and substance abuse, the doctor says.

Warning signs of a brain attack, according to neurologic nurse specialist Pauline Rankin, CRNP-BC, are: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion; trouble speaking or under-standing; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking; dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; or sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

In the event of a stroke, “seek medical attention immediately,” Dr. McLaughlin advises. “Call 911, lie down and wait for paramedics to arrive. Prompt evaluation in an emergency room – as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms – is critically important. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely it is that the person will recover.”