Stroke is a very dangerous health problem, with the 3rd highest ᴍᴏʀᴛᴀʟɪᴛʏ rate in the world after Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases. Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke Will Help Prevent Disease As well as Limit Severe Sequelae.
WHAT ARE THE 5 WARNING SIGNS OF A STROKE?
The five primary signs of a stroke are:
1. Numbness or weakness in one half of your body, which will also help determine which half of your brain the stroke is taking place in (one side of your brain controls the opposite side of your body, so if there’s damage on the right side of your brain, the left side of your body will show symptoms and vice versa).
2. Impaired vision in one or both eyes.
3. Difficulty speaking or understanding what’s happening around you.
4. Sudden dizziness or balance issues resulting in trouble walking.
5. Sudden and unexplained extreme headaches.
These are all extremely serious symptoms, even if you’re only experiencing one or two. If you notice that you or someone around you is exhibiting these symptoms, make note of the time the symptoms started and call 911 immediately.
The most common and easily remembered acronym to help people recognize the symptoms of a stroke and act accordingly is F.A.S.T.:
– Face drooping – Your face has started to droop or go slack on one side
– Arm weakness – This weakness actually applies to your face, your arm, or your leg on either side
– Speech difficulty – Your words are slurred or jumbled and you’re having trouble understanding others
– Time to call 911! – You should call 911 if you’re experiencing any single one of these symptoms
Along with vertigo, other probable stroke symptoms include nausea and vomiting, though these are less frequent. Confusion (from difficulty understanding) and difficulty walking (from loss of balance) are two further symptoms that may arise from the ones mentioned above. It is critical to record all pertinent symptoms observed in the stroke victim, along with the approximate time that any symptoms started. In order to promptly evaluate a treatment plan, the ER doctor will require a precise timetable.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can have a stroke, but some of us are more likely to have one than others. It is important to know if you are at higher risk so that you can ensure you’re aware of the warning signs. You might not be aware if you have a weakened blood vessel that could burst, but other risk factors for stroke can be screened for and often changed.
Most strokes happen when there is a blood clot or blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain. Luckily, many of the factors that increase the risk of these kinds of blockages are under our control so you can take steps to reduce your risk.
You are more likely to have a stroke if:
– You are overweight
– You smoke
– You drink a lot of alcohol
– You have high cholesterol
– Your blood pressure is high
– You have certain conditions such as diabetes or atrial fibrillation
Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and enjoying a healthy lifestyle can help to lower many of these risks.
If you want to find out your stroke risk then you should talk to your doctor or arrange health screening. Getting your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other factors checked can tell you if you are more likely to develop a blood clot or to have a blocked artery that could cause a stroke.
Why It’s Important and What to Do?
If you think that you or another person might be having a TIA or stroke then you need to get help right away. A stroke is a medical emergency as the faster you get treatment, the better. Call an ambulance right away and tell them that you suspect a stroke. Remember that you still need to go to hospital if the symptoms disappear as it may have been a mini-stroke.
The type of stroke, the part of the brain damaged, and the severity of the symptoms will all influence the course of treatment you receive. Restoring your brain’s blood flow will be the top priority. Although medication may be able to break up a blood clot, surgery may be necessary in certain cases. The better the outcome, the sooner you receive this treatment.
After the immediate threat has been addressed, you will most likely require longer-term care to aid in your recovery and prevent more strokes. Medication may be necessary to lower blood pressure or stop clots from developing. Occasionally, surgery is advised to enhance the brain’s blood flow. To manage any long-term affects, such speech or mobility issues, you might require additional assistance. You will be easier to treat and less likely to suffer long-term consequences if you get care as soon as possible.
Do you feel better prepared to handle this kind of emergency now? And can you remember what FAST stands for without looking back?