Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Learning to Recognize and Manage Stroke Symptoms Could Save a Life
Stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Immediate medical treatment may reduce the risk of death or permanent damage.
Can you wait to see if stroke symptoms disappear? No! When stroke symptoms appear, the speed of medical intervention and treatment can determine the severity of permanent damage done.
Symptoms of a Stroke
- Sudden difficulty speaking, slurred speech
- Sudden numbness or weakness to face, arm, or leg, (especially on one side of the body)
- Sudden trouble with vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty with walking, balance, or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden confusion, problems with memory or perception
Transient Ischemic Attack
In some cases, a person may experience stroke symptoms for several minutes, or even up to 24 hours, and have the symptoms disappear on their own. This is called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. TIA’s are a major warning sign of an actual stroke to come.
If you experience these symptoms, or observe someone who does, even for a brief period of time, seek medical attention immediately. According to the National Stroke Association, more than one-third of all people who have a TIA will go on to have a stroke within the next three years of having a TIA:
- 5% of strokes will occur within one month of the first TIA or stroke
- 12% will occur within one year
- 20% will occur within two years
- 25% will occur within three years
At the onset numbness to the face or arm, or a curious speech problem, do not be tempted to wait 24 hours to see if symptoms disappear on their own. Every minute that passes after the onset of a stroke increases the risk of permanent damage.
Treatment of Stroke Symptoms
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
There are steps to observe stroke symptoms circulating called the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale. These steps are:
- Smile, observe for drooping on one side
- Raise both arms, observe for weakness and drifting on one side
- Speak a simple sentence, observe for slurring and coherency
This test however, has not been endorsed by the American Stroke Association. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke warning signs are listed above.
When someone is suspected of having a stroke, emergency treatment should be sought immediately. Call 9-1-1, or contact your nearest emergency response team.
Have the person lie flat to allow optimal blood flow to the brain. While aspirin has a big role in stroke care, it is generally not advised to give until the person has had medical treatment. Aspirin can help in the case of a stroke caused by a blood clot, or it can make things worse if the stroke is caused by a hemorrhage.
If you believe that you or someone you know has experienced symptoms of a stroke in the past, it is extremely important to receive a medical evaluation. There are also a number of other conditions that may exhibit these symptoms. Determining the root cause can save a life—maybe yours.
