STROKE SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Nov 06,2023
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- by admin
Strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial because early intervention can mean the difference between life and death, or between a full recovery and lasting disabilities.
A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in the blood supply to the brain. This can happen due to a blockage or the bursting of a blood vessel. Regardless of the type, strokes can cause significant damage to the brain, so it's essential to act swiftly.
Types of stroke.
Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 85% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked or narrowed, often due to a blood clot. As a result, a portion of the brain doesn't receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain cell damage or death.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and leaks blood into the surrounding brain tissue. The increased pressure from the bleeding can damage brain cells and tissues. Hemorrhagic strokes are often caused by conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure or weakened blood vessel walls.
Common risk factors for strokes include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and a family history of strokes. Leading a healthy lifestyle, managing these risk factors, and seeking medical care for conditions that increase the risk of stroke can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
How Do You Spot Early Warning Signs?
Remembering the acronym FAST can be a lifesaver when trying to identify a stroke.
F: Face Drooping Ask the person to smile. If one side of their face droops or appears uneven, it could be a sign of a stroke.
A: Arm Weakness Request that they raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or is weaker than the other, it's a potential indicator.
S: Speech Difficulty Listen carefully to their speech. If their speech is slurred, incoherent, or they have trouble speaking, this is a red flag.
T: Time to Call Ambulance.
However, there are other signs and symptoms to be aware of.
- A sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, can be a sign of a stroke.
- A severe headache can be indicative of a hemorrhagic stroke. Blurred or double vision, sudden loss of vision, or difficulty seeing in one or both eyes should not be ignored.
- Difficulty walking, losing balance, or experiencing unexplained dizziness may be a stroke symptom.
- Sudden confusion, disorientation, or trouble understanding speech are all concerning signs.
When you think someone is experiencing a stroke, it's critical to respond quickly. Minutes matter because time is brain tissue. To guarantee that the patient receives the right medical attention, which can include surgery to restore broken blood vessels or medicines to dissolve clots, calling an ambulance as soon as possible is imperative.
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