A stroke occurs when there is a sudden interruption of blood to the brain, most often caused by a blockage of one of the arteries leading to the brain.
According to neuroradiologist Dr. David Carrington, the early warning signs of a stroke are many, and include changes in sensation, weakness on one or both sides, absence of speech, drooping of the face or a massive headache.
Though Bruno says there is no history of stroke in his family, he does suffer from arterial fibrillation, a form of heart arrhythmia that also is a risk factor for stroke.
Other risk factors include smoking, poor diet or leading a sedentary lifestyle. Carrington said patients who suffer from high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes also have higher incidence of stroke.
"Notifying EMS would be the first thing to do (if a stroke occurs)," Carrington said, hopefully immediately after the stroke has been suffered.
That's because doctors work in a strict time frame when it comes to treating stroke, Carrington said.
If given promptly, the intravenous clot-busting therapy known as tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator, can significantly reduce the effects of stroke and reduce permanent disability.
