Warning signs of a stroke that is threatening you
A person is at risk of stroke if he or she experiences sudden numbness, temporary memory loss, or difficulty speaking.
A person in an at-risk groupstrokeif affectedhigh blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, smoking or lack of exercise, obesity, older age. Knowing the warning signs can help you prevent and minimize the impact of a stroke.
"During a stroke, every minute counts. Prompt treatment reduces the brain damage a stroke can cause. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke puts you in a better position to act quickly and save a life," says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Sudden numbness or weakness
You may have sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. When deprived of oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die.
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| People with stroke will have difficulty speaking. Illustration photo |
The areas of the brain affected by a stroke cause negative effects. For example, the areas of the brain that regulate sensation are affected, resulting in numbness.
Temporary confusion or difficulty speaking
Symptoms of memory loss from a transient ischemic attack are usually temporary and vary depending on the area of the brain affected. Patients with short-term memory loss will have vivid memories from long ago, but will have difficulty remembering events from today.
Decreased vision in one or both eyes
After a stroke, you may have difficulty processing images or understanding what you see. The most common vision problem after a stroke affects your perception of things around you.
Loss of balance
You may experience dizziness, loss of balance, or poor coordination. If a stroke occurs in the cerebellum or brain stem, the areas of the brain that control balance, you may experience dizziness. You may feel like the world around you is moving or spinning.
Severe headache of unknown cause
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| Headache is a symptom of many diseases including stroke. Illustration: Hawaiipacifichealth |
During a stroke, blood flow to part of the brain is cut off. The cells there don’t get enough oxygen and begin to die. This can be due to a blocked blood vessel causing a blood clot or a blood vessel bursting causing bleeding in and around the brain. This results in a sudden headache.
What to do if you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke
The CDC says that treatments are most effective if a stroke is detected within 3 hours of the first symptoms. If you think someone may be having a stroke, take this simple FAST test:
F (Face) - Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A (Arms) - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S (Speech) - Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does he or she slur their words?
T (Time) - If you see any of the above signs, call emergency services immediately.