The
Warning Signs of Stroke
A stroke happens about every 40 seconds. Each year,
about 795,000 Americans have a stroke. Do you know the warning signs?
If you do have stroke warning signs, this means your
brain isn't getting the blood it needs. Damage may be temporary or permanent.
For example, you might lose the ability to speak, but recover it with time. You
might have partial or complete weakness, for example, in the use of an arm or
leg.
The important thing is what you do if stroke symptoms
happen. The sooner the treatment, the less chance of serious damage to the
brain. This means less chance of permanent disability.
Sometimes symptoms of stroke develop gradually. But if
you are having a stroke, you are more likely to have one or more sudden warning
signs like these:
Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg,
especially on one side
Confusion or trouble understanding other people
Trouble speaking
Trouble seeing with one or both eyes
Trouble walking or staying balanced or coordinated
Dizziness
Severe headache that comes on for no known reason
Stroke symptoms may differ, depending upon the type of
stroke, where it occurs in the brain, and how severe it is. A less severe
stroke may be more difficult to recognize.
An ischemic stroke happens when a vessel supplying blood
to the brain becomes blocked. It can happen for a variety of reasons. For
example, fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis) can cause blood clots to
form. Sometimes a blood clot forms in the heart from an irregular heartbeat
called atrial fibrillation. It then travels to a place where it blocks an
artery supplying the brain.
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood
vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain. This can also happen for a variety
of reasons.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a "mini-stroke" from a temporary blockage. Although a TIA doesn't cause permanent
brain damage, it may cause stroke warning signs, which may last minutes or even
hours. Think of this as a warning sign you shouldn't ignore.
Remember that a stroke is a medical emergency.
Sometimes it is even called a brain attack.
Don't ignore stroke warning signs – even if you have
just one warning sign or if symptoms are mild or go away.
Don't wait! Every minute counts.
Call 999 or emergency medical services (EMS) if you
have one or more symptoms for more than a few minutes. An ambulance can get you
to a hospital without delay.
Check the time when symptoms begin. This is important
information to share when you arrive at the hospital.
What if you're with someone else who might be having
stroke symptoms but you're not sure?
Take charge and call 999. Some people may deny that
there is a serious problem. They don't want others to make a fuss. Or they
might ask, "What's the big rush?" It may help to remember this:
What's the worst thing that can happen if this isn't a stroke? An unnecessary
trip to the hospital. But what's the worst thing that can happen if you ignore
the problem and it turns out to be a stroke? The result could be much worse.
How
to Prepare for a Stroke
Few people think a stroke will happen to them. But if
you or someone you know has a stroke, taking these steps in advance may end up
making a very big difference. Take action with these tips today or as soon as
possible:
Ask a doctor or nurse which hospitals in your area are
primary stroke centers with 24-hour emergency stroke care. They are best
equipped to care for people who have strokes. You may be able to find stroke
care centers online, too.
Find out which hospital or medical facility is closest
to your home or work. Your human resources department may be able to help you
locate those near work. Your doctor may be able to help you with this, too.
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