Strokes are the third biggest killer in America today. Learning the warning signs of a stroke is crucial...and could just save a life. A stroke occurs when there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain. This causes the death of brain cells, and results in brain damage. In America, 700,000 strokes occur annually. The symptoms of a stroke depend on the type of stroke and what area of the brain is affected. As early as 400 B.C., the Greek philosopher Hippocrates, described the stroke-phenomenon of sudden paralysis. He used the term apoplexy, from the Greek word meaning "struck down with violence." Hippocrates had the right idea. One of the most common signs of a stroke is sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. People who are having a stroke can also experience trouble moving due to dizziness, loss of balance, or loss of coordination. Stroke victims may experience trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden confusion is also common. Other possible indicators of a stroke include sudden difficulty seeing and a sudden severe headache with of unknown cause. Experiencing any of these symptoms may be an indication of a stroke. However, these signs can also point to a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. TIAs or "mini-strokes" begin like a regular ischemic, or blood-clot stroke. A blood vessel to the brain becomes blocked, or leaks, halting the flow of oxygen and nutrients. The difference between TIAs and full-blown strokes, however, is that TIAs are reversible through normal body repair mechanisms. Even though TIAs disappear on their own, they are an indicator that a major stroke could occur. It's important to receive immediate treatment for a mini-stroke, because more than a third of people with this condition have a full-blown attack soon after. If you think someone around you may be having a stroke, act F-A-S-T, or fast, and do this mini-test. FACE-Ask the person to smile and note if one side of their face droops.ARMS-Ask the person to raise both arms and see if arm drifts downwards.SPEECH-Ask the person to repeat a sentence and listen carefully to their words. Are they slurred? Are they correct?TIME-Any of these symptoms are a sign of stroke. Get the person to a hospital quickly. It's important to remember that both TIA and strokes are an emergency! The longer that treatment is withheld, the more brain cells will die. Knowing the symptoms of stroke is a positive step you can take to avoid the severe damage, or death, that can result from the condition. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about stroke.