Know the Signs of a Stroke and Save a Life

posted on Mar 11 by Lauren in the Disability News, Health category

Strokes are the nation’s third leading cause of death behind heart attacks and cancer. There are three different types of stroke, but all types have a devastating impact, not only on the survivor, but on everyone that cares about them.

A stroke is a medical emergency that can happen to anyone, at any time, and at any age. A stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.

Types of Strokes:

Ischemic – clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain
Hemorrhagic – blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – a “warning stroke” or “mini stroke” produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce your risk of a major stroke. The usual TIA symptoms are the same as those of a stroke, only temporary. The short duration of these symptoms and lack of permanent brain injury is the main difference between a TIA and a stroke.

Knowing the signs of a stroke can save a life. If you notice one or more of these warning signs, don’t wait! A stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency medical services (EMS) and get to a hospital right away!

The warning signs of a stroke per the American Stroke Association:

- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Take action and save a life!

- Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You’ll be asked this important question later at the hospital
- If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don’t delay. Immediately call 911 so an ambulance can be quickly sent for you
- If you are with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call 911 or the EMS. Expect the person to protest, denial is common. Don’t take “no” for an answer.

Strokes can cause permanent damage and paralysis on one side of the body, ephasia which causes the person to be unable to effectively communicate. If you want more information on strokes, visit the American Stroke Association’s website at www.strokeassociation.org or call at 1(888)4-STROKE