You have a severe headache but the pollen is gone. You’ve been dizzy and sometimes lose your balance. Plus you’re having trouble with your vision. Take heed! These are all signs of a stroke.

The Centers for Disease Control has estimated that someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Don’t wait for a medical evaluation if you have these or other better-known symptoms like numbness in your face, arm or leg and trouble speaking. In fact, the right strategy for you is to call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t try to drive yourself or a loved one to the hospital if EMS personnel can get to you quicker.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and what you learn now could help if this happens to you or a family member. While it’s true that many people recover from stroke, it can be a long and strenuous process. And some people don’t recover. Yes, you can die from a stroke.

Doctors often prescribe aspirin therapy for prevention, but be sure to ask your doctor if this is a good idea for you. Aspirin can affect other health issues and medications, so never take medications regularly (even over-the-counter ones) without consulting with your doctor.

A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel affecting the brain bursts. That’s why a person having a stroke (or “brain attack”) exhibits these symptoms. They no longer get the oxygen-rich blood that is critical to make the body and brain function correctly.

Prevention is always best, especially if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease. Smoking is a huge factor in stroke. Most smokers know they should quit, but if one or more close family members has suffered a heart attack or stroke, it’s time to pay attention. And if you don’t smoke but you live with a person who smokes, it’s important to understand that secondhand smoke affects you as well. You’ll also want to check and control your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you’ve paid attention to general wellness and prevention strategies, you’ll also know that maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and getting exercise can contribute not just to your overall health but also can help prevent stroke.