Stroke is a catastrophic medical illness that occurs when part of the brain’s blood supply is cut off. The sooner a stroke victim receives care, the less damage is likely to occur. In the United Kingdom, there are approximately 1.3 million stroke survivors, and your symptoms will vary depending on which section of your brain was injured. The best way to avoid a stroke is to be aware of your risk factors and to live a healthy lifestyle. A stroke’s signs and symptoms vary from person to person, but they usually start suddenly. Changes in the face and the inability to smile are the most common stroke symptoms. It’s possible that one side of your face has sagged, or that your lips or eye has drooped. Signs on the arms may also appear – “the person may be unable to elevate both arms.”
