DEAR DR. DONOHUE: In October of last year, my husband, age 63, died of a brain hemorrhage (stroke). He was a youthful, health-conscious man, now sorely missed by his wife, family and friends. This tragedy was due to undiagnosed high blood pressure, since he, like many men, refused to visit the doctor. Please encourage people, especially 55 and older, to have a checkup so they don’t suffer a similar fate. — R.A.

ANSWER: My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I hope many who read your letter will take your advice.

Two weeks ago, I wrote about ischemic stroke, the kind that comes from a plugged brain artery. It accounts for most strokes. The letter-writer’s husband suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, one that comes from bleeding from a brain artery.

Hemorrhagic strokes have an abrupt onset. A person can be fine one minute, and the next there’s a profound change. He or she can’t move an arm or a leg, can’t talk or has a sudden, severe headache. Shortly the person becomes unresponsive. For 50 percent of people with a hemorrhagic stroke, death is the final step, and it often comes quickly.

Differentiating a stroke caused by bleeding from one caused by artery plugging is not something for an untrained person to attempt. Confronted by someone who has the signs of a stroke, an untrained person should call for immediate help.

As Mrs. R.A. points out, high blood pressure is one of the most common medical conditions responsible for a hemorrhagic stroke. Prevention of these lethal strokes depends on knowing what your blood pressure is. Keeping blood pressure in the normal range is the best way to prevent them. The trouble with high blood pressure is that it seldom produces any signs until it’s too late.

The booklet on stroke presents the different kinds, their treatment and their prevention. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 902, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6. Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am an 82-year-old man with a history of two cancers, prostate and bladder, two knee replacements and lots of osteoarthritis. In spite of all that, I’m in good shape. I work out every day, I tour by bicycle 20 to 25 miles in a day, and I’ve lots of energy.

About four months ago, the strangest thing started happening to me. Every time I eat, my nose starts to run. It’s not a real problem, but it mystifies me. Why does it happen? — D.M.

ANSWER: It is strange, and it has a name — gustatory rhinitis, a classy way of saying “runny nose when you eat.” Hot and spicy foods often provoke the reaction. Some consider it a reflex that has no useful purpose. If you’re going out to eat and don’t want to be embarrassed, taking an antihistamine about an hour before the meal might work. The nasal spray Astelin has a good reputation for stopping the drip. Don’t use these every day. Save them for a special occasion.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My wife is a healthy 66-year-old woman. The problem is that she wakes up at night, screams for a second and then goes back to sleep. The following day, sometimes she remembers, but sometimes not.

This has been going on for two to three years. She uses no medicines. What could this be? — J.V.

ANSWER: It could be what’s called sleep terror. It’s more often seen in childhood, but occasionally adults have it. You describe it perfectly. The person suddenly wakens and screams in what appears to be panic. Then she or he returns to sleep. Most have no memory of the event the following day, and don’t recall a frightening dream. If this doesn’t interfere with her normal functioning, she doesn’t need to pursue it.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.