Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke
Stroke is a major health concern in the United States; in 2022, stroke was responsible for 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease. It can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time.Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke and acting F.A.S.T. can save a life.
Timely intervention and quality home care can make a significant difference in recovery.
The faster someone having a stroke gets to the hospital and receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery.
This blog is for you if you are interested in:
- Learning how to recognize the signs of stroke in yourself or a loved one
- Understanding what happens during a stroke
- Being prepared to act quickly in an emergency
- Learning more about stroke recovery in the home
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die within minutes.
The Two Main Types of Stroke
Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood clot blocks or plugs an artery in the brain. This clot often forms in arteries that have been damaged by a buildup of fatty deposits, also known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can occur in the carotid artery of the neck, which provides blood flow to the front of the brain, as well as other arteries.
Hemorrhagic stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures (bursts).
The leaking or rupture of the blood vessel is referred to as a brain hemorrhage and can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect blood vessels.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA): This is sometimes referred to as a "mini-stroke," and it is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain.
A TIA may not cause permanent damage, but it is a warning sign that you may have a partially blocked or narrowed artery in your brain. Having a TIA increases your risk of having a stroke in the future. It is crucial to seek emergency care even if you think you've had a TIA. It is impossible to know if you're having a stroke or a TIA based only on your symptoms.
Recognizing the Signs: Act F.A.S.T.
Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly.
It is important to remember the acronym F.A.S.T. to quickly identify a potential stroke:
F = Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
A = Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or is one arm weak or numb?
S = Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, or are they having trouble speaking or understanding?
T = Time to call 911: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
Every minute counts. Take note of what time the symptoms first appeared.
Other possible stroke symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)
- Double vision
- Nausea and/or vomiting
Stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can occur at any age.
Some risk factors you can control
Lifestyle factors: Being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, heavy or binge drinking, use of illegal drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.
Medical factors: High blood pressure, cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, high cholesterol, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease.
Some risk factors you can't control
Age, race/ethnicity, sex, family history of stroke, COVID-19 infection.
Steps to lower stroke risk
- Manage controllable risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Talk to your doctor about whether preventive medications are right for you.
The Importance of Early Intervention and Quality Home Care
Prompt medical treatment after a stroke is crucial for improving survival and reducing disability.
The sooner treatment begins, the better the potential outcome.
Rehabilitation is essential for stroke recovery and can help you regain strength, capability, and confidence.
Every stroke is different, and every person's road to recovery is different.
BrightStar Care can provide quality home care services to support stroke recovery.
Our services can include skilled nursing, personal care, and therapy services, tailored to your individual needs.
We offer a higher standard of care to help you achieve your best possible recovery and live your best life.
Conclusion
- Be informed about stroke symptoms and risk factors.
- Don't hesitate to call 911 if you suspect a stroke.
- Focus on prevention by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
- Contact BrightStar Care to learn more about our home care services for stroke recovery.
References
Martin SS, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, et al.; American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee; Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. 2024 heart disease and stroke statistics: a report of US and global data from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2024;149:e347–913.
Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2023 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93–e621.
National Center for Health Statistics. Multiple Cause of Death 2018–2022 on CDC WONDER Database. Accessed May 3, 2024. https://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd.html
About stroke. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/healthy\_living.htm.
Effects of stroke. American Stroke Association. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke.
Rehab therapy after a stroke. American Stroke Association. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/stroke-rehab/rehab-therapy-after-a-stroke.
Face Drooping. American Stroke Association. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-warning-signs/face-drooping.
Speech. American Stroke Association. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-warning-signs/speech.
Stroke. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Post-Stroke-Rehabilitation-Fact-Sheet.
Empowering People to Live Their Best Lives. BrightStar Care. https://www.brightstarcare.com/huntington-beach-ca/.
Stroke. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/stroke.
Patients and caregivers. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/know-stroke/patients-and-caregivers#.
Walls RM, et al., eds. Stroke. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com.
Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2024. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com.
