A stroke, also called a brain attack, occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to a part of the brain (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and blood can't flow to a certain part of the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). When oxygen-rich blood doesn't reach the brain, brain cells will begin to die and permanent brain damage can occur. The majority of stroke victims survive and undergo rehabilitation as a recovery process, such as speech and physical therapy. However, stroke complications are common. Including:
- Limp or paralyzed muscles on one side of the body
- Difficulty swallowing and speaking
- Loss of memory or difficulty thinking and understanding language
- Pain, numbness, or tingling sensation in the affected part of the body
- Changes in attitude and mood
A stroke can cause temporary or permanent disability, depending on the severity of the stroke and how much blood flow is disrupted to the brain. When discussing strokes, the key is to minimize brain damage. The sooner you become aware of the signs of a stroke and seek medical help, the better your chances of recovery and avoiding serious brain damage or disability.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
- Suddenly limp
Sudden feeling of weakness or numbness in the arms or face is a common sign of a stroke, especially if it only occurs on one side of the body. If you smile and look in the mirror, you may notice that one side of your face is drooping. If you try to raise both hands, you will have difficulty raising one of your hands. Depending on the severity of the stroke, you may also experience paralysis on one side of your body.
- Suddenly confused
A stroke can cause sudden confusion. For example, if you are typing on a computer or chatting, you may suddenly have difficulty speaking, thinking, or understanding speech.
- Sudden vision problems
Because one side of your body is weak, you may have difficulty walking, lose your balance, or become dizzy.
- Sudden headache
If you suddenly experience a severe headache for no apparent reason, you may have a stroke. This headache can be accompanied by dizziness or vomiting.
What should I do?
If you have had a stroke, you may experience one or more symptoms. It doesn't occur to you to call a doctor. Although you tend to notice different symptoms or feel that something is not right inside of you, you may not realize that this is a serious problem when it is too late.
Stroke symptoms can develop slowly within hours or days. When you have a minor stroke, it is also known as transient ischemic attack (TIA), symptoms are usually transient and improve within one to two hours. In these cases, you may mistake the symptoms for stress, migraines, or nerve problems.
However, signs or symptoms of stroke require further investigation from a doctor. If you go to the hospital within three hours of the first symptoms of an ischemic stroke, your doctor can give you medicine to break down the blood clot and restore flow to the brain. Quick action increases your chances of a full recovery from a stroke. It also reduces severe defects. A simple FAST test can help you identify strokes in yourself and others:
- F (face): smile. See if there is any sign of dropping on one side.
- A (arms): raise your hand. See if you have trouble raising your hand.
- S (speech): try saying simple sentences or reading one sentence aloud.
- T (time): call 112 immediately if you or someone you know has had signs of a stroke.
What are the things to remember?
There are other conditions that can mimic stroke symptoms, such as seizures and migraines. However, it is important that you do not diagnose yourself. Even if you have a TIA and the symptoms go away, don't ignore the signs. A TIA increases your risk of stroke, so you will need tests to determine the cause of this stroke, and you will need to start treatment to reduce your risk. In fact, "more than a third of people who have a TIA end up having a major stroke within one year if they don't receive treatment," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
