How to Reduce Your Risks:

• Work with your doctor to control your diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Be physically active; work some physical activity into your daily routine.
• Develop heart-healthy eating habits.
• Don’t smoke and limit alcohol intake.

Diagnosing Stroke:

When a person develops symptoms of stroke, data must be gathered to determine if the symptoms are from stroke, TIA (transient ischemic attack) or from another health condition. Data that may be gathered by a health provider may be:

Quick Links: What is a Stroke? Effects of a Stroke What is a TIA? Stroke or TIA Warning Signs Stroke Risk Assessment Risk Factors Stroke Treatment & Prevention Stroke Center

• a health history
• family history
• history of recent events
• medication list (including herbal or over the counter mediations)
• evaluation for risk factors
• an extensive physical exam
• neurological exam, such as testing movement, sensation, gait, strength, vision, speech, memory, hearing, and reflexes
• blood tests, such as blood count, blood sugar, urea and electrolytes
• electrocardiogram (to test for abnormal heart rhythms)
• echocardiogram (sound waves to detect clots or heart valve defects)
• CT scan (X-rays to show brain image looking for blood in brain)
• MRI scan (more accurate images of brain)
• Cerebral Angiogram (follow blood flow of the brain)
• carotid doppler flows studies (sound waves to detect blockages in the carotid artery)