One of the best ways to protect yourself from death by stroke is to know what to do if you suspect yourself or others of having a stroke. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke make it possible for prompt treatment and often result in saved functions or life.
Because the signs and symptoms of stroke occur suddenly, and frequently there’s more than one, knowing what they are could save you, or a loved one’s life.
Signs and symptoms include:
– Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis of your face, arm or leg – this usually only occurs on one side of the body.
– Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia), this may increase from slight difficulty to total inability to communicate or understand.
– Sudden blurred, double or decreased vision
– Dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination that occurs all of the sudden
– A severe headache or an unusual headache, that comes from nowhere, and may be accompanied by a stiff neck, facial pain, pain between your eyes, vomiting or altered consciousness.
– Confusion, or problems with memory, spatial orientation or perception
Because strokes are so sudden, many people have no warning. However, one possible sign of an impending stroke that you can look for is a transient ischemic attack (TIA). What is this? A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to a part of your brain. So, how do you know if you are having one of these? Well, the signs and symptoms are the same as for a stroke, but last for a shorter period, and then disappear, without leaving permanent effects. It is also possible to have more than one TIA, and the signs and symptoms may be different.
So, how does this indicate impending stroke? Well, research has shown that a TIA basically is a sign that you have serious underlying for a full-blown stroke. For the most part, people who have had a TIA are much more likely to have a stroke as are those who haven’t had a TIA.
So, what should you do if you suspect you are having a stroke, or notice any signs or symptoms of a stroke or TIA? The big answer is to get medical help right away. A TIA may seem like a passing event. But it is an important warning sign – and a chance to take steps that may prevent a stroke.
What should you do if you are not sure? If you do not know if it is a stroke or not, but there are signs and symptoms, call for an ambulance. Then watch the person carefully while waiting for an ambulance.
While you are waiting there are things you can do to ensure a better outcome should the situation get worse. For example, if breathing ceases, begin resuscitation. If the person starts to vomit, turn their head to the side because this can prevent choking. If someone appears to be having a stroke, don’t let them eat or drink anything.
Basically, because every minute counts when it comes to treating a stroke or TIA, don’t wait to see if the signs and symptoms go away. Call an ambulance right away, because the longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the damage and potential disability.
Stroke is somewhat of a mystery, but in every case, the success of most treatments depends on how soon a person is seen by a doctor in a hospital emergency room after signs and symptoms begin. Do not let yourself think you are being silly or paranoid, better safe than sorry!