A stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone else is experiencing signs of a stroke, call emergency services immediately.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can save your life. During a stroke, the blood supply to the body’s brain is blocked either due to a blood clot or a burst blood vessel. This lack of blood flow to the brain can cause damage within seconds. If you or someone you know is experiencing the below symptoms, it’s important to call 911 immediately.
Types of Strokes
There are two main types of strokes, each with different causes and treatments. During an ischemic stroke, the most common type, a blood clot obstructs blood flow to the brain. During a hemorrhagic stroke, the area around the brain bleeds due to a burst blood vessel. This can happen as a result of high blood pressure or trauma.
Common Signs of a Stroke
Sudden Numbness or Weakness
According to the National Stroke Association, one of the first warning signs of a stroke is sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, especially in the face, arm, or leg. This may look like being unable to raise both arms or smile symmetrically.
Sudden Confusion or Trouble Speaking
If you are worried that someone is experiencing a stroke, ask them to repeat a simple sentence such as, “The dog ran down the street.” If they have difficulty understanding others, seem unable to form words correctly, or have slurred speech, they may be having a stroke.
Sudden Trouble Seeing
Another warning sign of a stroke is sudden difficulty with vision. The person may experience blurred or partial vision loss in one or both eyes. About 65% of people who have had a stroke experience problems with their vision.
Sudden Trouble Walking, Dizziness, or Loss of Balance
If you or someone you know experiences sudden dizziness, has an unexplained fall, or suddenly finds it difficult to control their coordination, it may be a stroke. This warning sign is often overlooked or mistaken for fatigue or intoxication.
Sudden Severe Headache
A sudden severe headache, often described as “the worst headache of your life,” can be a sign of a hemorrhagic stroke. The head pain may also come with vomiting or altered consciousness.
Remember F.A.S.T.
Treatment for stroke victims works best if administered in a timely manner. To help people recognize stroke emergencies and respond quickly, emergency personnel created F.A.S.T., an acronym to help spot a stroke.
- F – Face drooping
- A – Arm weakness
- S – Speech difficulty
- T – Time to call 911
If you or someone near you shows any signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately. Knowing the warning signs saves lives. Prognosis and recovery time following a stroke is dependent on how quickly a person receives care and what areas of the brain were affected. Sharing this information with your friends and family could save a life.
