Stroke warning signs and common symptoms
Regardless of age, a stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere – and knowing the warning signs and symptoms, and what to do – might prevent death or worsened health conditions at recovery.
The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can’t reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won’t work as it should.
If the stroke occurs toward the back of the brain, for instance, it’s likely that some disability involving vision will result. The effects of a stroke depend primarily on the location of the obstruction and the extent of brain tissue affected.
The effects of a stroke depend on several factors, including the location of the obstruction and how much brain tissue is affected. However, because one side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body, a stroke affecting one side will result in neurological complications on the side of the body it affects.
Did you know that people who are treated with a blood clot-dissolving drug within 4.5 hours of symptoms have a greater chance of recovering without major disability?
5 Key Facts about Stroke
Fact #1: Stroke kills brain cells. Stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die.
Fact #2: types of stroke. Ischemic caused by a clot, Hemorrhagic caused by a rupture and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or “mini stroke” caused by a temporary blockage.
Fact #3: about one in four stroke survivors is at risk for another. Fortunately, up to 80 percent of second clot-related strokes may be preventable.
Fact #4: prevention is key. Had a stroke? Create a plan with your doctor to prevent another, which may include managing high blood pressure and discussing aspirin or other medicine. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen. Now that you know prevention, here’s how you spot one. Learn the FAST warning signs (listed below).
Fact #5: time lost is brain lost. (F) Face Drooping, (A) Arm Weakness, (S) Speech Difficulty, (T) Time to call an ambulance.
Left vs right side of the brain if a stroke occurs
Left Brain
If the stroke occurs in the left side of the brain, the right side of the body will be affected, producing some or all of the following:
- Paralysis on the right side of the body
- Speech/language problems
- Slow, cautious behavioral style
- Memory loss
Right Brain
If the stroke occurs in the right side of the brain, the left side of the body will be affected, producing some or all of the following:
- Paralysis on the left side of the body
- Vision problems
- Quick, inquisitive behavioral style
- Memory loss
How to spot a stroke and react F.A.S.T.
When it comes to spotting stroke and getting help, the faster, the better. That’s because prompt treatment may make the difference between life and death — or the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability.
Educate yourself on the warning signs of stroke. Experts use the acronym F.A.S.T. to remind people how to recognise the signs of a stroke and what to do.
Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided?Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?Speech
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.Time to Call an Ambulance
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 000 or an ambulance and get them to the hospital immediately.
Stroke Signs and Symptoms
If you’re having a stroke, it’s critical that you get medical attention right away. Immediate treatment may minimise the long-term effects of a stroke or even prevent death. Thanks to recent advances, stroke treatments and survival rates have improved greatly over the last decade.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke in both men and women include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your face or in one arm or leg
- Loss of vision, strength, coordination, sensation, or speech, or trouble understanding speech. These symptoms may get worse over time.
- Sudden dim vision, especially in one eye
- Sudden loss of balance, sometimes along with vomiting, nausea, fever, hiccups, or trouble swallowing
- Sudden and severe headache with no other cause, followed quickly by passing out
- Fainting briefly
- Dizziness or sudden falls with no clear cause
If someone shows any of these symptoms, call and ambulance or emergency medical services immediately. Minutes matter in treating stroke. Calling a doctor or driving to the hospital yourself wastes time. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) emphasises that getting emergency help within an hour can prevent long-term disability or death.
Types of Stroke
Just as strokes have many effects, they also have many causes. Learn the various types of stroke and related treatment.
- Ischemic Stroke (Clots)
Occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. It accounts for 87 % of all strokes. Read more - Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeds)
Occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures. The two types of weakened blood vessels that usually cause hemorrhagic stroke are aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is uncontrolled high blood pressure. Read more - TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
Called a mini-stroke, it’s caused by a serious temporary clot. This is a warning sign stroke and should be taken seriously. Read more - Cryptogenic Stroke
In most cases, a stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood to the brain. In some instances, despite testing, the cause of a stroke can’t be determined. This is called a cryptogenic stroke. Read more - Brain Stem Stroke
When stroke occurs in the brain stem, it can affect both sides of the body and may leave someone in a ‘locked-in’ state. When a locked-in state occurs, the patient is generally unable to speak or move below the neck. Read more
You may be reluctant to call emergency services if you aren’t sure whether someone’s having a stroke, but people who get treatment sooner have a major advantage. Ambulance workers can judge your situation sooner, and that boosts your chance of getting the treatment you need as soon as possible.
People who are treated with a blood clot-dissolving drug within 4.5 hours of symptoms have a greater chance of recovering without major disability, according to 2018 guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA).
Sources:
– American Stroke Association. Learn More Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms. Read more
– The Stroke Foudnation. How do you know if someone is having a stroke? Read more
– American Stroke Association. Effects of Stroke. Read more
– American Stroke Association. Effects of Stroke. Read more
– WebMD. The Warning Signs of Stroke. Medically Reviewed by Minesh Khatri, MD on 14 November 2021. Read more
– Healthline. Learn to Recognize the Signs of a Stroke. Read more
