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Step 1
Know the risks. If there is thrombotic stroke in your family medical history, your own risk increases. Heart disease, atherosclerosis and blood disorders also pose an increased risk of thrombotic stroke. Other indicators are conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
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Step 2
Work with your doctor to assess your risk factors and identify lifestyle changes, medications and other strategies to prevent thrombotic stroke.
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Step 3
Control diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension. Consult your doctor regarding diet, exercise and medication options.
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Step 4
Take any and all steps to prevent, or limit the progress of, atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaques develop within blood vessels. Because atherosclerosis narrows blood vessels, this increases the risk of blockage by a blood clot. If you have atherosclerosis, do whatever it takes to eliminate or control it.
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Step 5
Get your cholesterol checked regularly and monitor your blood pressure. Take aspirin daily if your doctor approves. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to dissolve clots or prevent them from forming.
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Step 6
Make lifestyle changes to prevent thrombotic stroke. Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruit. Limit foods high in cholesterol, trans fats and saturated fat. Exercise regularly. Do not smoke and limit your alcohol consumption. Avoid cocaine or amphetamines. Both drugs are associated with increased risk of stroke.
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Step 7
Monitor and manage migraine headaches. Although they are significantly less likely than atherosclerosis to cause a thrombotic stroke, spasms in blood vessels caused by severe migraines can result in a thrombus forming.
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Step 8
Be especially careful of commonly prescribed migraine medications if your migraines are accompanied by numbness, blackouts or weakness. If you have such symptoms, migraine medications may actually increase your stroke risk.
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Step 9
Be alert to stroke symptoms. Different types of strokes have many common symptoms. However, symptoms can also vary depending on the area of the brain where the stroke happens. A stroke victim may complain of headaches, dizziness and vision problems. The victim may act confused or have difficulty speaking. Balance and coordination may be affected, so victims may have difficulty walking or using their hands. One side of the body may become weak or even paralyzed and the victim may complain that body parts suddenly feel numb. A stroke victim may also lapse into a stupor or coma, have a seizure, vomit or demonstrate irregular breathing.
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Step 10
Call 911 immediately or go directly to the emergency room if you have any reason to suspect a stroke. Immediate diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or treat a stroke as well as vastly improve the patient's odds for survival and recovery.
