The good news for smokers, though, is that the risk of stroke falls quickly after you kick the habit. Not long ago, stroke was considered an inevitable consequence of aging. It was assumed nothing could be done to prevent a stroke and if it occurred, nothing could be done to halt the resulting brain damage. Sometimes this is still the case. But today stroke is considered not only a manageable problem but sometimes even a preventable or reversible one.
Prompt attention is important to saving lives and to staving off brain damage.
Increasingly, doctors are looking at new techniques which may reduce or even prevent brain damage, but only if they are promptly administered. Often people delay seeking help because they don't recognize the symptoms of stroke, which we've listed below. If you experience any of them, seek immediate medical help. If the symptoms are fleeting, don't disregard them.