A stroke is a medical emergency. A stroke occurs when blood flow and oxygen can’t get to the brain. The sooner patients are treated for strokes, the better the outcome.
As a level III Stroke Center, the Parkland Health Center team is equipped to expertly handle stroke care for you or a loved one.
Know the Signs of Stroke
Remember to BE FAST and call 911 if you or someone you know experiences the symptoms below.
- Balance: Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
- Eyes: Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
- Face: Does the person's face look uneven?
- Arm: Is one arm hanging down?
- Speech: Is the person's speech slurred? Do they have trouble speaking or seem confused?
- Time: Call 9-1-1 now!
Risk Factors
Risk factors that cannot be changed
- Age: Stroke can occur at any age; 1 out of 5 people who have a stroke are under 55 and your chance of stroke increases as you get older.
- Race: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders have a higher risk of stroke than people of other races.
- Gender: More women have strokes than men, and more women die from strokes than from breast cancer every year.
- Family history: You are at greater risk if a family member has had a stroke.
Manageable risk factors
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease, especially atrial fibrillation (a-fib)
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity