last year nearly 200 Alaskans died of a stroke making it the sixth leading cause of death many others who experienced a stroke suffer permanent disability a stroke occurs when something usually a blood clot blocks the blood supply to a part of the brain Oh in a blood vessel in the brain bursts in either case parts of the brain become damaged and died to limit the damage that is caused by a stroke it's critical to know these symptoms and act fast FAS t an evolving stroke may cause facial drooping and numbness arm weakness on one side slurred speech or the inability to speak any of these symptoms should lead you to take action if you suspect a stroke call 911 immediately other symptoms of stroke may include difficulty walking trouble seen in one or both eyes or a sudden and severe headache there are also ways you can lower your risk and prevent stroke high blood pressure is an important cause of stroke have your blood pressure checked and if you have high blood pressure take your medicines as - prescribed don't use tobacco and use alcohol in moderation if at all a stroke is another health condition where risk can be reduced by being physically active eating a healthy diet and maintaining the healthy weight