Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is a stroke?
A medical condition in which blood isn't properly delivered to part of the brain.
Is a stroke dangerous?
Yes, a stroke is very dangerous.
What are "fixed" stroke risk factors?
These are factors that can't be changed but make it more likely for a person to have a stroke. They include age (being over 55); genetics and family history (having family members who've experienced a stroke); race (being African-American); gender (being a woman); and having had a previous heart attack or stroke.
What are non-fixed stroke risk factors?
Non-fixed stroke risk factors are factors that make a person more likely to have a stroke but that can also be changed, reversed, modified, controlled, or managed. These include high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, diabetes, artery disease, atrial fibrillation, other heart disorders or diseases, sickle cell anemia, high blood cholesterol, poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity.
What's a so-called mini-stroke?
A mini-stroke, sometimes called a warning stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a stroke that's caused by a blood clot that dissolves on its own, sometimes within a few minutes. These usually cause no permanent damage, but should be taken seriously.
What is the F.A.S.T. stroke detection method?
Created by the American Stroke Association, F.A.S.T. is a method for identifying stroke symptoms and remembering to call for emergency medical assistance. "F" stands for face dropping; "A" stands for arm weakness; "S" stands for speech difficulty; and "T" stands for time to call for medical help.
What should a person do if someone is having a stroke?
Call emergency medical assistance immediately.