Recognizing Stroke and TIA Symptoms

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This fact sheet helps patients with diabetes identify symptoms of stroke and transient ischemic attacks. Care providers give it to patients during diabetes planned visits, and it is part of the Diabetes Planned Visit Notebook.

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Recognizing Stroke and TIA Symptoms

• People who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease are more likely to suffer from strokes or TIAs (transient ischemic attacks).
• A stroke or a TIA are Brain Attacks, but most people don't know the symptoms.
• If you experience any of the symptoms below, immediate medical treatment can save your life.
• Even if these symptoms don't cause pain or they go away quickly, call 911 immediately!!

The Five Most Common Stroke Symptoms Include:

	Sudden numbness or weakness of 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.
	Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
	Call 911 Call 911 if you see or have any of these symptoms. Treatment can be more effective if given quickly. Every minute counts!

Other Important but less Common Stroke Symptoms Include:

	Sudden nausea, fever and vomiting distinguished from a viral illness by the speed of onset (minutes or hours vs. several days)
	Brief loss of consciousness or period of decreased consciousness (fainting, confusion, convulsions or coma)

How to Prevent Stroke

• Know your blood pressure. Have it checked at least annually. If it is elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control.
• Find out if you have atrial fibrillation.
• If you smoke, stop.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Two drinks or less per day.
• Find out if you have high cholesterol.
• If you are diabetic, follow your doctor's recommendations carefully to control your diabetes.
• Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine.
• Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.

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