St. John's Services Stroke Care Stroke Signs & Symptoms
St John's Services Stroke Signs and Symptoms

Stroke Signs & Symptoms

Know the Signs & Symptoms

A stroke is an interruption in the blood flow to our brain from either a clot or a break in the blood vessel. It is critical for someone who is experiencing signs or symptoms of a stroke to be transported to the hospital by trained medical personnel immediately. Early recognition is key, and a stroke is a medical emergency. Treatment options depend on the type, source and location of the stroke.

For more information, call 217-814-4874.

How do I know I am having a stroke? 

 

Here at St. John's we want everyone to be informed about the symptoms of a stroke. Signs of a stroke include: loss of balance, weakness, blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, headache and upset stomach. In this video, a stroke survivor shares his story.

Signs & Symptoms  

 

  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body 

  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech 

  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes 

  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance 

  • ​Sudden severe headache without a known reason 

BE FAST

 


Use the BE FAST acronym to remember stroke warning signs. If you notice or experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Risk factors such as age, genetics, gender and race cannot be controlled. However, there are several risk factors that you can control. If your health care provider has already identified that you have any of these risk factors, it is very important to create a plan to help reduce your risk of stroke.

 

Risk Factors

 

  • Smoking

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Alcohol consumption and illegal drug use

  • Stress

  • Diabetes

  • Obesity

  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

  • Inactivity

  • Unheatlhy diet

  • Abnormal cholesterol

  • Atrial fibrillation

  • Carotid artery disease

  • Peripheral vascular disease