• There are many risk factors for stroke including blood clotting problems, hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, heart problems, and trauma such as blows to the head from accidental falls or sports injuries.
  • Strokes or stroke-like symptoms are also associated with normal everyday activities such as cradling a phone between your ear and shoulder during a prolonged conversation, having your hair washed at a hair salon, dental procedures, painting a ceiling, and turning your head while driving. These strokes from ordinary neck movements occur without warning in some people for no apparent reason. The reasons for this are not understood and research continues into why in rare cases, some people are susceptible when most are not. (Adapted from the ACA)