According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 Americans each year.

Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke.

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.

The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function.

Even a brief interruption in blood supply can cause problems.

Symptoms of a stroke are typically sudden and include:

• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding

• Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes

• Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination

• Problems with movement or walking

• Loss of consciousness or seizure

• Severe headaches with no other known cause, especially if sudden onset

Each individual may experience symptoms differently, so do not ignore any of the warning signs.

Take action immediately and call 911. Stroke is an emergency and should be treated as such. The greatest chance for recovery from stroke occurs when emergency treatment is started immediately.

Shrink stroke risk with 7 lifestyle changes

You can help prevent stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices.

According to a study published in the journal Stroke, adhering to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7:

• Get active/exercise

• Control cholesterol

• Eat better

• Manage blood pressure

• Lose weight

• Reduce blood sugar

• Stop smoking

Learn more about your risk of stroke.

Take the Ochsner Stroke Risk Assessment at ochsner.org/stroke.

Terence C. D’Souza, M.D., F.A.A.N. joined the Ochsner team in 2011. To schedule an appointment with him at Ochsner Medical Center-River Parishes (502 Rue de Santé, LaPlace, LA 70068), call 985-652-7000.