Stroke signs: Still a mystery to many

Quick, list the warning signs of stroke. Give up? Many people, especially those most likely to suffer a stroke, don’t know the signs, according to researchers at the International Stroke Conference in San Diego. They polled more than 86,000 people and found that fewer than two in five knew these important stroke warning signs:

• sudden weakness in the face, arm or leg
• sudden severe headache with no known cause
• sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
• sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
• sudden dizziness, loss of balance, loss of coordination or problems walking

Many also didn’t know to call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Your job: Memorize those warning signs, as the faster you’re treated for stroke, the better your odds of surviving and limiting disability.