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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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Brain attacks, or strokes, strike swiftly and often with no warning. Many of the symptoms feel like less serious ailments or conditions. That's why it's important to take these symptoms seriously when one or more happen suddenly and for no apparent reason.
Seek emergency medical attention (ie, call 9-1-1) if you or someone around you experiences symptoms of a brain attack for any length of time.
Warning signs that could signal a brain attack are SUDDEN, and often include:
Additional warning symptoms might include:
Notice the repeat usage of the word "sudden." When you experience a sudden onset of one or more of these conditions, you might be experiencing brain attack. IF THESE SYMPTOMS OCCUR SUDDENLY, YOUR CONDITION COULD BE DANGEROUS. THE LONGER YOU LOSE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN, THE MORE EXTENSIVE THE DAMAGE.
You should also take note that the first symptom listed - sudden mental confusion or trouble speaking or understanding - could be particularly serious. That's because a person experiencing such a symptom isn't likely to be able to think in a clearheaded fashion, and might not seek treatment. IT'S IMPORTANT TO DIAL 911 AND GET IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY HELP FOR SOMEONE WHO SEEMS TO BE SUDDENLY CONFUSED OR UNABLE TO SPEAK. THEY MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES.
While the symptoms of brain attack, or stroke, come on suddenly, they can end just as quickly. But don't be tricked into thinking that the problem is over just because the warning signs have ended and you now feel much better. You might have just experienced what's known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke.
It might be helpful to remember just the most important symptoms and signs of stroke using the memory aid of "F-A-S-T," as illustrated below:
| Developed by the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Team; Produced by the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Control Program, Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health, with funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). |
Sometimes these symptoms and signs are the beginning of a brain attack. But, at other times, one or more of these warning signs occur for only a very brief time, then go away, leaving you feeling "cured." This condition is known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini-stroke." If left untreated, transient ischemic attack (TIA) may lead to a much larger and more dangerous brain attack. YOU MUST STILL CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE EVEN IF THE SYMPTOMS HAVE ENDED. THE NEXT ATTACK COULD BE MUCH WORSE.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Oct 25, 2007
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Pooja Khatri, MD Assistant Professor Department of Neurology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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Joseph P Broderick, MD Professor and Chairman Director, Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Team Department of Neurology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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Dennis Landis, MD Professor Department of Neurology School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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