What are the Warning Signs of a Stroke?
- Written by: Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology
- Published: January 12, 2021
- 4 min Read
A stroke which is a neurological disorder occurs when there is an obstruction to the blood flowing to the brain. When this happens, the brain cells die and there is brain damage. However, the symptoms can vary depending on the area that is deprived of the blood supply. Moreover, the severity of the signs also depends on how much tissue is affected. It can range from mild weakness to severe paralysis. There are different types of strokes: Ischemic stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke, and Transient ischemic attack.
When a stroke occurs, knowing the signs can aid you to take preventive actions. It can actually save a life, including your own.
How to know if you are having a stroke?
It is normal to feel apprehensive while calling emergency centers if you are not sure. However, there are several symptoms that can help you diagnose whether you are having a stroke. To help people understand the signs, the National Stroke Association advises the use of the acronym “FAST”
FAST stands for face, arms, speech, and time respectively.
Face – If there is a drop in the smile of a person, it can indicate the onset of a stroke. The smile can also appear uneven, along with numbness in one portion of the face.
Arm – If the person can’t raise up both arms, then that’s cause for worry. Also, look out for numbness or weakness on any one side. Moreover, if one arm moves downward, then that is also a symptom.
Speech – Slurring speech is a major indication of a stroke. If you want to be sure, ask him/her to repeat what you say and look out if the sentences are comprehensible or not. Having trouble uttering the words is also a sign.
Time – Time is of the essence for people suffering from a stroke. You must act fast if you want to save their life. The best move is to call emergency medical services immediately.
Other symptoms and signs of stroke (applicable for both men and women)
There are some other symptoms of a stroke. Check out some of them here.
- The feeling of numbness in any part of the body
- Dizziness
- Paralysis in different parts of the body
- Blurred vision or any problem with the eyesight
- Difficulty in walking
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Problem with swallowing
- Changes in behaviour
- Issues with speech
- Stiffness in the muscles
Symptoms unique to women
There are some symptoms that you can find in women. Some of them include –
- Pain
- Fainting
- Hiccups
- General weakness
- Seizures
- Irritation
- Nausea
- Hallucination
How can you prepare for a stroke?
There are various ways that you can prepare for a stroke. For starters, you can educate yourself and others about the symptoms. Then, you can make sure that you have the emergency numbers nearby. Also knowing, about the nearest hospital will help.
Stroke is a deadly medical condition that can cause death within minutes. There are a lot of strokes risk factors that one needs to understand. In this scenario, every second matter. It is why knowing and diagnosing the symptoms can actually save a person’s life. Though medical professionals are trained to handle the situation, it is vital to know some information. You can use it to offer immediate aid until qualified help comes.
Related Read
What are the most common neurological disorders?
Neurological disorders include diseases of the nerves, spine, and brain. Millions of people are affected each year, with thousands dealing with lethal consequences. These diseases not only affect the person who is suffering but also the people around them.
Patients also want to know
Can neurological problems cause breathing problems?
Neurological problems can cause breathing disorders. There are several neurologic diseases that can eventually progress to impaired pulmonary function. However, the most common ones include Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Can Lumbar Puncture Cause Paralysis?
A lumbar puncture or a spinal tap is a neurological procedure that involves your lower back. The doctor inserts a needle in the middle of two lumbar bones (vertebrae) to extract a cerebrospinal fluid sample.
What are the Warning Signs of a Stroke?
A stroke generally occurs when there is an obstruction to the blood flowing to the brain. When this happens, the brain cells start to die. However, the symptoms can vary depending on the area that is deprived of the blood supply.
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About Writer
Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology
Vishwaraj Hospital’s Neurosciences department, with its 2 branches, Neurosurgery and Neurology are highly competent to diagnose, operate, treat and care for all patients requiring urgent and excellent care. With our senior surgeons with more than 15 years of surgical experience to their credit have performed brain decompression surgeries with great precision in our fully equipped operation theatres.
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