In the blink of an eye, people’s lives can change forever. Stroke, an invisible predator hiding in the shadows of one’s arteries, can strike unexpectedly, causing destruction.
But in the face of this strong foe, knowledge is power, and quick action can save lives. This feature seeks to educate you on how to recognize signs and how to act when you spot a stroke.
According to health experts, stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts and causes bleeding in the brain. Stroke does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
These factors constitute the non-modifiable risk factors. Others, such as high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol levels, obesity and diabetes, form modifiable risk factors.
Individuals with a family history of stroke or heart disease may be in greater danger. Recognizing the symptoms of stroke and knowing how to respond is critical for everyone since it may mean the difference between life and death.
Symptoms and signs
Stroke can manifest in various ways, but there are key signs to watch for.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg—especially on one side of the body—sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination, and sudden severe headache with no known cause are all signs and symptoms of stroke.
With posterior circulation stroke, however, health experts say it may present different symptoms from the typical signs we associate with stroke patients. This type of stroke occurs at the back of the brain when a blood vessel in that area becomes blocked or ruptured, leading to infarction.
Symptoms of posterior circulation stroke can include vertigo, a sensation of the room spinning, imbalance, one-sided arm or leg weakness, slurred speech or difficulty speaking (dysarthria), double vision or other vision problems, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Measures
When encountering a stroke or suspecting someone experiencing a stroke, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Stroke patients’ eligibility for certain treatments may depend on how quickly they report and receive medical attention.
Therefore, it’s important to follow the “act fast” protocol:
F for Face: Check for a smile and observe if one side of their face droops.
A for Arm: Raise both arms and check if one arm drifts downward.
S for Speech: Repeat a simple phrase and listen for slurred or incoherent speech.
T for Time: If any of these signs are present, don’t hesitate to call an ambulance or head to the hospital immediately.
Conclusion
Stroke remains a devastating condition that threatens one’s health; therefore, with education and prompt responses, we can stand tall against it. We can empower ourselves and our communities to combat stroke by identifying the warning symptoms and learning how to respond.
Remember that every minute after a stroke counts, so move quickly and seek the right medical help. Together, we can make a difference in the battle against stroke.
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