Stanford Stroke Center–

Stroke Awareness Questionnaire

These questions help reinforce information that is extremely important for you to know about stroke (brain attack). Click on the box next to the best answer for each question. More detailed information is available in the Stanford Stroke Center Stroke Guide.

  1. Which of these statements regarding Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) is FALSE?
    If the TIA symptoms disappear in a couple of hours, they can be ignored.
    TIAs are caused by temporary interruptions in the blood supply to the brain.
    TIA symptoms occur rapidly and last a relatively short time, usually from a few minutes to several hours.
    TIAs are often early warning signs of a more serious and debilitating stroke in the future.
    Delaying help for TIAs can mean that it is too late for new treatments to be effective.

  2. Which of the following is a warning sign of a stroke?
    Loss of speech or trouble talking
    Sudden loss of vision, particularly in one eye
    Sudden severe headache
    Sudden and pronounced numbness or weakness on one side of the body
    All of the above

  3. Which of these can be a symptom of a heart attack, but is generally not a symptom of stroke?
    Slurred speech
    Crushing pain in the chest
    Blurred vision
    Paralysis on one side of the body
    Difficulty understanding language

  4. Which of the following is a TRUE statement about risk factors for stroke?
    Stroke is equally common in men and women.
    Race has no bearing on the incidence of stroke.
    The chance of having a stroke increases with age.
    Changes in lifestyle cannot affect a person's risk of stroke.
    All of the above are true.

  5. Which of the following statements regarding stroke and high blood pressure (hypertension) is FALSE?
    Mild hypertension is not a risk factor for stroke.
    Modifying your diet can reduce your blood pressure.
    In general, an ideal blood pressure is 120/80.
    The most important risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure.
    Medication to control hypertension is effective only if taken on a regular basis.

  6. Which of the following statements regarding smoking is FALSE?
    The number of Americans who die because of smoking each year is equal to three jumbo jets crashing each day for one year.
    Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer and heart attacks, but not stroke.
    Smokers have a higher risk of stroke, regardless of other factors such as age, high blood pressure or heart disease.
    The risk of stroke declines dramatically within a few years of stopping smoking.
    Being exposed to smoking, even if you don't smoke yourself, can be dangerous.

  7. Which one of the following best describes a way to reduce your risk of stroke?
    Maintain a sedentary lifestyle.
    Exercise regularly.
    Consume more than two alcoholic drinks per day.
    Increase your intake of disodium phosphate, monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrate, and table salt.
    Continue to use oral contraceptives, especially those with high estrogen content.

  8. Which one of the following best describes how to reduce your risk of stroke due to high cholesterol?
    Limit fat or oil added in cooking.
    Trim fat and skin from meats and poultry.
    Use low-fat or non-fat dairy products.
    Broil or bake foods rather than frying.
    All of the above.

  9. Which of the following symptoms is NOT a common feature of most strokes?
    Weakness
    Numbness
    Trouble talking
    Pain
    Confusion

  10. If you, or someone you are with, are experiencing symptoms of a stroke, what should you do?
    Get a drink of water.
    Got to bed and take a nap.
    Call your doctor to make an appointment.
    Call 911 right away and get to a stroke center.
    Wait 24 hours to see if symptoms go away.


    You can recognize a stroke by asking for 3 simple tasks:
    • SMILE
    • RAISE BOTH ARMS
    • COMPLETE A SIMPLE SENTENCE
    If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and ask for the victim to be taken to a stroke center.

 

 

 

 

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