Stroke Awareness Month: Neurologist Shares Warning Signs and Prevention Tips

Every year, nearly 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke, but health experts say many of those cases may actually be preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and regular health screenings. During American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association is working to raise awareness that strokes are not only treatable and beatable, but often preventable as well.

NBC Palm Springs’ Mary Strong spoke with neurologist Dr. Esmaeil Sebti about stroke prevention, warning signs, and why acting quickly can save lives.

Dr. Sebti says one of the biggest misconceptions about strokes is that they only happen to older adults. While age remains a major risk factor, doctors are seeing more younger patients experiencing strokes as well.

Health experts say several common conditions can increase a person’s risk, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and lack of exercise. Family history and stress can also play a role. Dr. Sebti emphasized the importance of recognizing stroke warning signs immediately. Symptoms can include sudden numbness or weakness — especially on one side of the body — confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance, or a severe headache that comes on suddenly.

Doctors often use the acronym “FAST” to help people remember the warning signs:

• Face drooping

• Arm weakness

• Speech difficulty

• Time to call 911

Medical experts stress that acting quickly is critical because fast treatment can help reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.

For people looking to lower their stroke risk, Dr. Sebti recommends several simple lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, monitoring blood pressure, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and staying on top of routine medical checkups. Health officials say understanding the warning signs and taking preventive steps now could help save lives in the future.