Don't Wait: Learn the Critical Signs of a Stroke and What to Do
A stroke is a medical emergency when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Early recognition of a stroke can save lives and reduce the risk of permanent disability. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can lead to faster treatment, significantly improving outcomes.
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Key Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Here are the key signs and symptoms to look for if you suspect someone is having a stroke:
1. Face Drooping
Ask the person to smile. Look for unevenness or drooping on one side of the face. One side of the face may appear numb or paralyzed, causing the smile to be lopsided or asymmetrical.
2. Arm Weakness
Ask the person to raise both arms. Check if one arm drifts downward or if they are unable to lift one arm at all. Weakness or numbness in one arm is a common sign of a stroke.
3. Speech Difficulty
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as "The sky is blue" or "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Listen for slurred speech, difficulty forming words, or inability to speak coherently. Speech may be garbled or incomprehensible.
4. Time to Call Emergency Services
If you observe any of the above signs, it's essential to call emergency services immediately. Even if the symptoms seem to improve or disappear, it's still crucial to seek medical attention, as transient symptoms can still indicate a stroke or a warning sign of a future stroke.
Additional signs and symptoms of stroke may include:
1.) Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
2.) Sudden confusion, difficulty understanding speech, or trouble speaking.
3.) Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, blurred vision, or double vision.
4.) Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination, along with difficulty walking.
5.) Sudden severe headache with no known cause, often described as the worst headache of one's life.
Remember the acronym FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) as a simple way to recognize the signs of stroke and take prompt action. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, don't delay—call emergency services immediately and seek medical attention. Every minute counts when it comes to treating stroke, so act fast to ensure the best possible outcome.
It's important to be aware that stroke symptoms can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. Some less common or more subtle symptoms can include sudden nausea or vomiting not due to illness, brief loss or change of consciousness (like fainting or seizures), and difficulty swallowing.(alert-warning)
Read more: What is a Stroke?
The F.A.S.T Acronym: A Simple Way To Tell If Someone Is Having A Stroke
The FAST acronym is a simple and memorable tool used to recognize and respond to the signs of stroke quickly. It stands for:
F: Face Drooping
One of the most common signs of a stroke is sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face. Ask the person to smile, and check if one side of their face droops or appears uneven.
A: Arm Weakness
Weakness or numbness in one arm is another indicator of a stroke. Ask the person to raise both arms and see if one arm drifts downward or if they are unable to lift one arm at all.
S: Speech Difficulty
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech is a common symptom of stroke. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as "The sky is blue," and listen for any changes in speech clarity or coherence.
T: Time to Call Emergency Services
Time is crucial when it comes to treating a stroke. If you observe any of the above signs, it's essential to call emergency services immediately. Even if the symptoms seem to improve or disappear, it's still crucial to seek medical attention, as transient symptoms can still indicate a stroke or a warning sign of a future stroke.
Remember, "Time is Brain" when it comes to stroke. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the more brain cells die. So if you think someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately.
Why is quick action important?
Every minute matters when someone is experiencing a stroke. Prompt medical treatment can help restore blood flow to the brain and minimize damage. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe disability or even death.
Types of Stroke and Specific Symptoms
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked, often by a blood clot; and hemorrhagic stroke, which happens when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a "mini-stroke," is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke-like symptoms but doesn't cause permanent damage, though it serves as a warning sign for a future stroke.
1. Ischemic Stroke
Typically presents with painless, sudden-onset symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or speech trouble.
May cause temporary confusion or difficulty responding to questions.
Can be mistaken for fatigue or general illness, especially in elderly individuals.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
Symptoms often include a sudden, severe headache ("thunderclap headache"), nausea, vomiting, and a rapid decline in consciousness.
May lead to seizures or coma in severe cases.
Often more dramatic and rapid than ischemic strokes.
3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – “Mini-Stroke”
Symptoms are similar to a stroke but temporary, usually lasting from a few minutes up to 24 hours.
Often considered a warning sign of a future major stroke.
Despite symptom resolution, urgent medical evaluation is necessary.
How to Respond When You Suspect a Stroke?
1. Call Emergency Services Immediately
- Don't wait to see if symptoms go away.
- Provide clear information: when symptoms started, what you observed, and the person’s medical history, if known.
2. Note the Time
- Treatment effectiveness is highly time-dependent.
- Knowing the exact time when symptoms began helps determine eligibility for treatments like clot-busting drugs (e.g., tPA).
3. Keep the Person Safe and Comfortable
- Lay them down with the head slightly elevated.
- Do not give food, drink, or medication unless instructed by emergency responders.
4. Stay Calm and Reassure Them
- Anxiety can worsen the situation. Reassure the person that help is on the way.
Stroke Recognition in Unusual Populations
1. In Children and Young Adults
Less common but still possible.
May be misdiagnosed due to atypical symptoms like seizures, headaches, or behavioral changes.
In the Elderly
Symptoms might be mistaken for dementia, confusion, or fatigue.
Watch for subtle signs like a change in consciousness, weakness, or trouble speaking.
In Women
Women may experience unique symptoms like:
- Hiccups
- Nausea
- General weakness
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
These differences can lead to delays in recognition and treatment.
Additional Tools for Recognising Stroke
In addition to the FAST acronym, there are other recognition tools and assessments used to recognize and respond to the signs of stroke. Some of these tools include:
1. BE FAST
Building upon the FAST acronym, BE FAST adds two additional signs to watch for:
B: Balance Loss: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
E: Eye Changes: Sudden vision changes or trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
2. Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS)
The CPSS is a simple assessment tool used by healthcare professionals to evaluate individuals for stroke symptoms. It involves three components:
Facial Droop: Ask the person to smile and check for any asymmetry or drooping of the face.
Arm Drift: Ask the person to close their eyes and hold both arms out in front of them with palms up for 10 seconds. Look for any arm drift or weakness on one side.
Abnormal Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as "The sky is blue," and assess for any slurred speech or difficulty speaking.
3. Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen (LAPSS)
LAPSS is another assessment tool used by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to identify potential stroke cases. It includes several criteria, such as age, blood glucose level, and specific stroke symptoms, to determine the likelihood of a stroke.
4. Face, Arms, Speech, Time (FAST-PLUS)
Similar to the FAST acronym, FAST-PLUS adds an additional component to assess for non-traditional stroke symptoms:
PLUS: Unilateral Weakness or Sensory Loss: Assess for sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, as well as sensory changes such as tingling or numbness.
5. RACE Scale
RACE stands for "Race, Arms, Face, and Speech." This mnemonic is used to prioritize the assessment and management of stroke symptoms in the emergency department setting. It emphasizes the importance of quickly assessing and treating stroke patients based on the severity of their symptoms.
These recognition tools are designed to help individuals, healthcare professionals, and emergency responders identify stroke symptoms promptly and take appropriate action. Recognizing the signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of disability or death associated with stroke.
Read more: What is a Stroke?
Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can make the difference between life and death, or between full recovery and long-term disability. The FAST acronym is a simple and effective way to identify the most common stroke symptoms, but it's also essential to be aware of the broader range of signs. By staying informed and vigilant, anyone can play a critical role in helping someone get the emergency care they need during a stroke.(alert-success)
