• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Stroke / Stroke Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Stroke Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

It happened so fast. Sharon Brooks, co-owner of the trendy but now-defunct Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in San Francisco, was ringing out the cash register and trying to reach her son’s girlfriend on the phone. But when the young woman answered, all that came out of Brooks’ mouth was gibberish.

“I tried to talk and couldn’t. I went into the bathroom and felt my left side tingling,” says Brooks, who was only 51 when this happened. “I knew the signs of a stroke. But I looked at my pupils and they were equal.” Then she went out front, sat down next to one of her employees and recovered her speech long enough to say, ” ‘Call 911. I think I’m having a stroke.’

“Then my left side went out,” she says, “and I fell off the chair.”

Clearly, Brooks wasn’t given much warning that a stroke was on the way. And, even when confronted with some classic symptoms, she was inclined not to believe it was really happening. But all of us should learn to recognize and heed the harbingers of a stroke. Every minute counts when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The most common kind of stroke can be treated with a clot-dissolving drug, but treatment must start within three hours to be most effective.

You May Also Like
13 Signs You Need to See a Dermatologist

If my loved one appears to be in trouble, how do I know if he or she is having a stroke?

The Stroke Association uses the acronyms F-A-S-T and 9-1-1:

  • F, for Face Drooping: Is the face number or drooping on one side? Ask the person to smile and see if one side of the mouth turns down.
  • A, for Arm Weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms: Does one drift down?
  • S, for Speech Difficulty. Is the speech hard to understand? Ask them to repeat “The sky is blue.” Is there any difficulty doing that?
  • T, for Time to Call 9-1-1. If your loved one shows ANY of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

I’m feeling dizzy. What are the warning signs of a stroke?

Here are the key warning signs, according to the American Stroke Association:

Continue Reading

The Latest In Stroke

caregiver tips for stroke patient

Tips For Caregiving for Someone After a Stroke

When a loved one suffers a stroke, it can be a relief that they survived and are getting good care. But recovery can take time for the patient. Making sure they get the care they need can be a challenge read more about Tips For Caregiving for Someone After a Stroke
how to identify a stroke

Using Your Senses To Identify A Stroke

Our senses can help us out when danger is near. Take for example when we hear someone call for help or smell something that is on fire. But did you know our senses can also help us identify a stroke? read more about Using Your Senses To Identify A Stroke
stroke

California Man Didn’t Know He Was Living With a ‘Ticking Time Bomb’

Richard Horton woke up one morning needing to use the bathroom. He got out of bed, took a couple of steps, and stumbled into the wall. The 55-year-old insurance broker told his then-wife, Bridgette Horton, he thought he might be read more about California Man Didn’t Know He Was Living With a ‘Ticking Time Bomb’
signs of a stroke

5 Signs You’ve Already Had A Stroke and Didn’t Know It

You may have heard about the tell-tale signs of a stroke - slurred speech, loss of balance, trouble speaking, and more - but did you know you can have a stroke without knowing it? This condition is called a silent read more about 5 Signs You’ve Already Had A Stroke and Didn’t Know It
Sinbad

Sinbad Recovers From His Ischemic Stroke: “I Will Not Stop Fighting Until I Walk Across The Stage”

Staying in shape and being in good health are two of the most things to living a long life. Additionally, it helps to have a positive attitude, especially when faced with a challenging circumstance. For famous comedian Sinbad, looking toward read more about Sinbad Recovers From His Ischemic Stroke: “I Will Not Stop Fighting Until I Walk Across The Stage”
how to protect your brain

10 Ways to Protect Your Brain

There is no time like the present. How we treat our brain now will ultimately determine how well it ages and whether or not we are at risk for dementia or stroke. So how do protect your brain from cognitive read more about 10 Ways to Protect Your Brain

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • 10 Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries 10 Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries
  • Tracee Ellis Ross at 50: Loving Her Body With No FilterTracee Ellis Ross at 50: Loving Her Body With No Filter
  • Like Father, Like Son: ‘Miami Vice’ Star’s Son Handsome Like his DaddyLike Father, Like Son: 'Miami Vice' Star's Son Handsome Like his Daddy
  • Mo’Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: “I Love Us For Real”Mo'Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: "I Love Us For Real"
  • The Cast of The Bernie Mac Show: 20+ Years LaterThe Cast of The Bernie Mac Show: 20+ Years Later

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.