Alarming Signs of Brain Stroke

A stroke also called a brain attack is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off or the vessels of the brain burst. It can lead to severe consequences such as long-term disability, brain damage, loss of speech, memory and vision loss, paralysis, and even death. Thus, quick treatment is necessary to save lives.

In order for the patient to receive prompt treatment, it is important to identify the signs of stroke early and respond to them in a timely manner.

Here we have discussed some of the warning signs of stroke and how to respond to them.

Warning Signs Of  Brain Stroke

Noticing the signs of a stroke is important to minimize the risk of damage to the brain tissue. If you observe someone having a stroke, you should call for medical help immediately or get them to a hospital. Though a stroke can show symptoms gradually, you can experience some symptoms suddenly as well. Some of the signs of stroke are:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the arm, leg, or face
• Difficulty in speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden loss of vision or issues in seeing with both or one eye
• Issues with balance and coordination
• Dizziness
• Severe headache that occurs without any reason as such

ACT F.A.S.T – Every Minute Matters

The National Stroke Association has advised people to learn the acronym “FAST” to recognize the signs of a stroke right away and respond immediately. This has been explained below:

F.A.S.T

• F for face: If you observe that the face is drooping or has an uneven smile, then this is a sign of a stroke
• A for arms: Weakness or numbness in the arms is again another sign of stroke.
• S for speech: Slurred speech
• T for time: In case the above signs are present, you need to act fast and get medical help immediately.

Sometimes signs of a stroke can be misleading and can be confused with that of a heart attack. Even so, if you notice any warning signs of a stroke, do not delay as time is of utmost importance in treating brain stroke, and call an ambulance at once.

After a Brain Stroke: Treatment And Rehabilitation

If the patient receives treatment at the right time such as within the first few hours of having a stroke then the brain injuries caused by the stroke can even be reversed. Depending on the type of stroke, the treatment could involve medications or in some cases surgery. According to the guidelines set by the ASA and AHA, patients need to be given medications within 3-4.5 hours of a stroke to reduce the possibility of a disability or even death. Mechanical thrombectomy should be performed within 24 hours to remove the clot that could have caused the stroke.

Some patients can recover swiftly after a stroke. However, others need rehabilitation to regain their ability to perform daily activities. Since stroke can affect different areas of the body such as speech, vision, and mobility, patients are typically suggested to go for a rehabilitation program. This involves sessions with physical, occupational, and speech and language therapists. Rehabilitation can help the patients re-learn the skills that may have been affected because of a stroke. Usually, rehabilitation begins in the hospital. But, stroke patients should continue receiving it after they are discharged from the hospital.

How To Prepare For A Stroke?

A stroke can happen to anyone. However, some people are at a higher risk of stroke as compared to other individuals. If you or someone you know are at risk of stroke, then being well-prepared for it helps. Here are some of the ways you can do that:

• Educating loved ones about “ FAST”
• Making lifestyle changes to minimize the risk of stroke
• Saving emergency contact numbers in your phone
• Knowing the hospitals in your area that can provide timely treatment for stroke
• Having a copy of your medical history

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Conclusion

Knowing the signs of a brain stroke can help a stroke patient get timely treatment. If you or someone you know is at risk of stroke, you should remember the term “FAST” and seek medical help immediately if some signs of stroke appear.

References

• https://www.ucsfhealth.org/en/education/6-signs-of-a-stroke
• https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/stroke-warning-signs
• https://www.barnesjewish.org/Medical-Services/Neurology-Neurosurgery/Stroke-Center/Having-a-Stroke-Signs-and-Symptoms