A stroke is a "brain attack,"

cutting off vital blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control everything

we do -- from speaking, to walking, to breathing. Most strokes occur when

arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque

and other fatty deposits. Some strokes can be caused by arteries rupturing

when weak spots on the blood vessel wall break.

To help patients get the information

they need to control their risk factors for stroke, the National Stroke

Association has launched the Ask Your Doctor education campaign, urging

you to ask your doctor the following five questions on your next visit.

1. Am I at risk for stroke?

Most people have some stroke

risk. A few stroke risk factors are beyond your control, such as being

over age 55, being a male, being an African-American, having diabetes,

and having a family history of stroke.

There are medical and lifestyle

risk factors you can control. Medical stroke risk factors include previous

stroke, previous episode of transient ischemic attack, or "TIA,"

high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation

and carotid artery disease. Lifestyle stroke risk factors include smoking,

being overweight, and drinking too much alcohol.

2. How do I lower my risk for

stroke?

Address the risk factors you

can control. Know your blood pressure, and work with your doctor to keep

it under control. If you smoke, stop. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Know your cholesterol, and if it is high, ask your doctor for advice on

lowering it. If you have diabetes, follow your doctor's recommendations

carefully to control your condition. Include exercise in your daily routine;

a brisk walk, swim or other activity for as little as 30 minutes a day

can improve your health in many ways. Cut down on sodium and fat in your

diet. Finally, ask your doctor if you have circulation problems.

3. What if I have a stroke?

If you have a stroke, seek

immediate medical attention -- stroke is an emergency. Learn to recognize

stroke symptoms. Common symptoms include: sudden numbness or weakness

of the face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body; sudden

confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in

one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or

coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause. Call 911

if you see or have any of these symptoms. Treatment can be more effective

if given promptly - every minute counts.

4. What are my recovery and

rehab options after my stroke?

Rehabilitation starts in the

hospital as soon as possible after the stroke. In patients who are stable,

rehabilitation may begin immediately after the stroke, and should be continued

as necessary after release from the hospital. Depending on the severity

of the stroke, rehabilitation options include physical, speech or occupational

therapy delivered in a number of settings: a rehab unit in the hospital,

a rehabilitation hospital, home therapy, outpatient therapy clinics, and

a long-term care facility that provides therapy and skilled nursing care.

5. How can I support those

touched by stroke?

If you are the primary caregiver

for a stroke patient, you may want to find a support group. Check with

your doctor or hospital, or contact the National Stroke Association. If

a friend or relative has a stroke, offer to relieve the caregiver for

a few hours a week; volunteer to run errands, do grocery shopping or provide

meals. Don't be afraid to ask the patient and caregiver what they

need.

For more information on stroke

prevention, treatment and recovery, visit www.stroke.org, the National

Stroke Association's Web site or call (800) STROKES.

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