The doctors at Thibodaux Regional Health System help patients understand what a stroke is, the warning signs, and how to reduce the risk of having a stroke, which can save your life. Knowing symptoms, seeking early treatment, and mitigating risk can reduce the side effects of a stroke.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs in the brain when there is sudden bleeding or a clot blocks the blood supply. Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Three types of stroke deprive brain cells of oxygen and can lead to damage, disability, or death.
Stroke risk increases with age; however, stroke can occur at any age. Rates of stroke are increasing in young people worldwide.
What are the warning signs?
Learn the B.E.F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke to save your life or the life of someone else.
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
- Face drooping: One side of the face droops or goes numb.
- Arm weakness: One arm goes weak, numb, or drifts down when raised.
- Speech difficulty: Slurred speech or inability to speak.
Time to call 911 immediately: Stroke is an emergency; every minute counts. Don’t drive yourself or call a friend. CALL 911. If possible, note the time symptoms first appear so doctors can determine treatment options.
Additional warning signs eye or vision changes, sudden numbness on one side of the body, confusion, vertigo, severe nausea, or severe headache.
How do you reduce stroke risk?
80% of strokes are due to preventable risk factors, often managed through diet and lifestyle changes.
- Stay active. Physical activity helps prevent high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.
- Limit sodium. High-sodium diets can lead to high blood pressure. Read labels, as processed and packaged foods are usually high in sodium. Shift from eating out to cooking regularly at home. Substitute natural spices such as paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and cumin, along with fresh herbs and garlic for salt.
- Eat more fiber and fish. A high-fiber diet helps protect against high blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity, all linked to stroke. Fill half your plate at meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lentils. Add at least two servings weekly of fatty fish—salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring—to protect against stroke.
- Limit alcohol. Moderation is key—a maximum of one drink a day for women, two for men.
- Manage stress. Reduce stress by being mindful in your daily activities. Mediate, practice yoga, take nature walks, get plenty of sleep, and stop doom scrolling.
Talk with your doctor about maintaining a healthier lifestyle and reducing stroke risks. For more information, contact Thibodaux Regional Neurology Clinic, 985.493.3090.
