A stroke takes place when the brain's blood supply is halted, cutting off oxygen and damaging or killing brain cells. Stroke treatment is most effective when started immediately, but sometimes even the person who has suffered the stroke is unaware that he or she needs medical attention.
Stroke Symptoms
A sudden onset of any of the following common symptoms can indicate a stroke: numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (such as a drooping leg, arm, eyelid or mouth); drooling or difficulty swallowing; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes; dizziness; balance or coordination problems, and severe headache. Less common stroke symptoms can include sudden nausea; vomiting; fainting; seizures or coma.
If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately. Don't hesitate to get medical help, even if the victim does not exhibit all of these symptoms, or if the symptoms are fleeting. If the symptoms are short-lived, lasting a few minutes or a few days, the victim may have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. A mini stroke can indicate that a full stroke is about to occur, and signals the need for immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing a Stroke
The Face-Arm-Speech Test (FAST) is a quick and simple way to determine whether someone may have had a stroke or a mini stroke. Conduct this test, checking for any of the tell-tale problems: Facial weakness (inability to smile, to move one side of the mouth, or to lift one eyelid); arm weakness (failure to lift both arms) and speech problems (trouble speaking clearly or understanding speech). Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms are apparent.
Stroke Risk Factors
While anyone can exhibit the symptoms of stroke, research suggests that certain groups are at a higher risk of stroke than others. Genetic risk factors for stroke include gender, race and family history. People over 55, males, African Americans and those with a family history of strokes are more susceptible than others. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, sickle cell anemia, high cholesterol, poor diet, obesity and smokers are also more likely to have a stroke. It is important to keep in mind, though, that these risk factors should not be used to determine whether medical attention is (or is not) necessary. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any time, and if a person exhibits one or more of the stroke symptoms outlined above, seek medical attention immediately.
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