If you suspect you're having a stroke—don't hesitate. Call 911 for immediate assistance. A stroke is a medical emergency. Medical attention to quickly restore blood flow to your brain stops permanent damage and minimizes lingering effects.

"Each minute of delay results in a loss of 1.9 million brain cells," says Patricia Davis, MD, with the UI Stroke Center, part of UI Neurosciences. "It is also important to start therapy to prevent recurrence."

A stroke is usually caused by a blockage to an artery that feeds the brain. When this life line is interrupted, part of the brain is damaged and may cause the loss of functionality such as mobility or speech. "Sometimes a stroke is caused by bleeding into the brain so don't take an aspirin before seeking medical assistance," says Davis.

Stroke warning signals

• Sudden numbness, weakness in face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
• Sudden severe headache

Emergency actions

• Not all warning signals occur in every stroke—don't ignore any symptoms even if they go away
• Know when the first warning sign(s) appeared—you'll be asked later
• Don't take "No" for an answer if someone you're with shows some of stroke's warning signs
• Make sure the people you care about learn to recognize a stroke and act quickly

Steps to avoid a stroke – headline

• Control your blood pressure
• Control your cholesterol levels
• Avoid foods high in sodium and fat
• Keep your diabetes under control
• Eat healthy and exercise regularly
• Limit excessive alcohol consumption
• Stop smoking
• Ask your physician about using low-dose aspirin

For more information about the UI Stroke Center contact UI Health Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 407, or 800-777-8442, ext. 407.