What Are The Signs Of A Stroke?

Robert C. Fisher

A stroke occurs when there’s a blockage of blood flow to the brain causing brain damage. During a stroke, there is a shortage of blood supply which causes surrounding brain cells to be cut off.

Nerve cells within the brain tissue become harmed as well.

Strokes are considered medical emergencies and require immediate medical care. Every minute counts when it comes to detecting the signs of a stroke. Early stroke treatment can reduce long-term side effects, brain damage, and complications.

 

Knowing the signs of a stroke can help you act fast as the caregiver:


  • Slurred speech or confusion

  • Sudden paralysis or weakness in the face, arms, or legs on one side of the body

  • Blurred vision, double vision, or blindness in one or both eyes

  • Sudden, severe headache, possibly with vomiting and dizziness

  • Losing balance or stumbling, with or without sudden dizziness

 

The acronym FAST may help you remember the signs of a stroke:

 

  • Face - look for face drooping, also known as one side of the face droop

  • Arms - ask them to raise both arms, and if arm weakness occurs, that may be a sign of a stroke

  • Speech - notice if their speech sounds slurred or confused

  • Time - the sooner you call 911 for emergency help, the better

 

If you notice these symptoms of a stroke, get medical help immediately.

According to the CDC, in most cases, stroke survivors who reach the ER within 3 hours of initial symptoms have less disability in the months afterward.

While stroke symptoms may vary slightly depending on the type of stroke, all stroke symptoms should be taken seriously. The three types of stroke include ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic stroke.



Know The Stroke Risk Factors To Look Out For

 

A stroke can occur in anyone at any age. However, understanding the risk factors will help you assess the likelihood of your loved one suffering a stroke. Knowing the stroke risk factors can help encourage your loved one to make lifestyle changes for stroke prevention.

 

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, which forces the heart to work harder and damages blood vessels and organs.

 

Heart Disease and Blood Vessel Disorders

The primary cause of death for stroke survivors is heart disease, and heart disease prevention can also prevent stroke, as the two conditions share many risk factors.

 

Diabetes

If your loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, they are at greater risk of stroke. High glucose levels over time damage the blood vessels, resulting in a higher risk of stroke.

 

Smoking

The risk for an ischemic stroke is double for smokers, and smoking also increases the risk of heart disease, another risk factor for stroke.

 

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol leads to atherosclerosis, the thickening of the arteries caused by a buildup of fatty deposits. This plaque buildup decreases normal blood flow to the brain and can result in a stroke. Regular blood tests are used to detect and monitor high cholesterol levels.

 

Obesity & Lack Of Exercise

Weight loss and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of stroke. Excess weight can contribute to inflammation in the body, decreasing blood flow. Obesity, coupled with a lack of exercise, increases the risk of stroke.

Speak to your loved one’s health care provider to understand helpful lifestyle changes that you can implement for your loved one.

 

Brain Aneurysm

Research shows a correlation between having a family history of an aneurysm and greater risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke. A CT scan can detect whether your loved one has a brain aneurysm.

 

Excessive Alcohol or Drug Use

Drinking too much alcohol can result in high blood pressure, a risk factor for stroke. Intravenous drug use can lead to blood clots, while cocaine and other drugs increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, increasing the risk of stroke.

 

Age & Gender

After the age of 55, the risk for stroke begins to increase. Men are more likely to suffer a stroke at younger ages, and women who take oral birth control or hormone replacement therapy have a greater risk of stroke.

 

Race & Ethnicity

In the United States, stroke is more common in African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic adults, according to the NIH.

 

History Of Stroke Or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

The risk of stroke is higher after your loved one has already suffered a stroke. If they have had one or more TIA, sometimes called "mini-stroke," they are at 10 times higher risk for stroke.

 

Family History

If there is a family history of stroke, the risk of stroke increases.



The Effects After Surviving a Stroke

 

A stroke occurs when blood flow is impeded from reaching areas of the brain, depending on what part of the body that part of the brain controls, different effects will be seen in the stroke survivor. Both common and uncommon effects correlate with the part of the brain that was damaged due to the stroke.


Some of the more common effects of stroke are:

 

  • Paralysis on one side of the body

  • Memory loss or confusion

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Pseudobulbar affect (uncontrollable laughing or crying)

  • Fatigue

  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

  • Pain and heightened sensitivity

  • Problems with vision

  • Seizures

  • Spasticity (muscles tightened)

  • Loss of balance

  • Foot drop, claw toe, or hammertoe 

Other effects may occur depending on the area of the brain where the stroke caused damage. 

If your loved one happens to suffer a stroke on the left hemisphere of their brain, they may encounter speech difficulty. 

Stroke care or rehabilitation specialists may be able to help your loved one regain independence around their stroke-related conditions such as trouble communicating, trouble seeing, and trouble walking. Stroke recovery can be challenging for loved ones and their caregivers.

According to the American Heart Association, on average in 2019, someone in the United States has died of a stroke every 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

Knowing the known causes and warning signs of stroke can help you better prepare for the possibility that your loved one does suffer from a stroke.

To be safe, you can take your loved one to the emergency room if your loved one shows signs of a stroke.



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