SIGNS OF STROKE, A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel

these signs of stroke appear: Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; Trouble seeing in one or both eyes; Trouble walking, dizziness, or problems with balance; severe headache with no known cause. Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is cut off. The symptoms depend upon the region of the brain that is affected by the loss of blood supply and can include changes in sensation or motor control.

Symptoms of a stroke also depend on how much of the brain tissue is deprived of blood supply. For example, someone who had a mild stroke may experience temporary weakness of an arm or leg, but those with a more severe stroke may be permanently paralyzed on one side of their body or be unable to speak. If the blood supply is not quickly restored, either on its own or via medical treatment, the effects may be permanent.

A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is sometimes referred to as a "mini-stroke." With a TIA, the stroke symptoms occur but go away on their own.

Some people fully recover from strokes, but over two-thirds of stroke survivors are left with some type of disability.

How can you tell if a person is having a stroke

Acting fast is critical if you suspect that someone may be having a stroke. Immediate treatment of a stroke can minimize the long-term effects of the stroke and can even help reduce a person's risk of death from stroke.

FAST is an acronym that can help you quickly recognize the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke. You can even download a FAST app from the webpage of the American Stroke Association to help you remember these signs.

Use FAST to remember and recognize the following signs and symptoms of stroke:

• F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile, and see if one side is drooping. One side of the face may also be numb, and the smile may appear uneven.
• A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Is there weakness or numbness on one side? One arm drifting downward is a sign of one-sided arm weakness.
• S: Speech difficulty. People having a stroke may slur their speech or have trouble speaking at all. Speech may be incomprehensible. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence and look for any speech abnormality.
• T: Time to call a doctor  If a person shows any of the symptoms above, even if the symptoms went away, call 911 and get the person to a hospital immediately.

While these are the hallmark symptoms of stroke, a stroke can cause disruption of any function of the nervous system. Symptoms of stroke typically occur on one side of the body and come on suddenly. With a transient ischemic attack (sometimes called a mini-stroke or TIA) the symptoms appear and may go away on their own. In any case, it is essential to get the affected person to a hospital as soon as possible to enable prompt treatment.

Other possible signs and symptoms of stroke include the sudden onset of:

1. Weakness or paralysis of any part of the body
2. Numbness or a "pins and needles" sensation anywhere in the body
3. Gait disturbances (trouble walking) or loss of balance and coordination
4. Vision changes, blurred vision, or trouble with eyesight in one or both eyes
5. Dizziness
6. Severe headache that usually is unlike headaches in the past
7. Confusion
8. Inability to speak, slurred speech, or inability to understand speech
9. Loss of sensation in any part of the body
10. Memory loss
11. Behavioral changes
12. Muscle stiffness
13. Difficulty swallowing
14. Involuntary eye movements