If someone is having a stroke, every minute counts. Fast response time is critical as it has a direct impact on the amount of damage to the brain, the outcomes of the treatment and the subsequent recovery. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the signs of a stroke so that you can recognize it and get help as fast as possible if it ever occurs. We put together a general guide to help familiarize you with the common symptoms and signs of the stroke. If you believe that you or your loved one is at risk for a stroke, please talk to your health care professional. You can also visit the Center for Disease Control for more information.
Signs someone is having a stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the arms, legs and face – especially when it is more pronounced on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding others speaking to them
- Sudden troubles seeing in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, trouble walking and/or lack of balance and coordination.
- Severe, sudden onset headache without any other reasonable cause
Act F.A.S.T?
It can be tricky to remember the symptoms associated with stroke. For this reason, health professionals recommend using the acronym F.A.S.T. for determining if someone is experiencing a stroke. It is important to remember that while effective stroke treatments are available, quickly identifying the symptoms and calling an emergency goes a long way in ensuring a successful recovery. Memorizing F.A.S.T. is a great way to help ensure that you or your loved one receives timely treatment in case of a stroke:
Face – Try to smile or ask the person you are with to smile. Does the face droop significantly on one side?
Arms – Try to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down, or is there difficulty raising one of the arms?
Speech – Try to or ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred, or is there any speech impediment?
Time – Time is a critical factor in stroke recovery. If you notice any of the symptoms, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
It is important to note the time when the symptoms first began so that the doctors will have a clear idea of the timeline and the best method for the treatment.
Transient Ischemic Attack
The symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) can be very similar to that of a stroke, but unlike in the case of a stroke, they typically pass after a few minutes. Although the symptoms may be brief, it is important to pay attention to them as the symptoms may indicate TIA, which is a very serious medical condition requiring medical intervention.
Because the symptoms of TIA may only be temporary, many people will often ignore this condition and not put much thought into it. However, seeking medical treatment after experiencing one of these episodes can help save a life.
Contact VERA Home Care today
If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, a home care worker can help with the daily tasks, companionship, mobility, and other services to help with successful recovery.
Contact VERA Home Care today to learn how we can help.