A stroke, sometimes called a “brain attack,” is a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This interruption can be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When a stroke occurs, brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen, which can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, or even death.
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and acting quickly are crucial for minimizing brain damage and improving the chances of a full recovery.
Understanding the Urgency
During a stroke, every minute counts. The longer the brain is deprived of oxygen, the greater the potential for damage. Prompt medical intervention can help restore blood flow to the brain and limit the extent of the damage.
The FAST Acronym: A Lifesaving Tool
The American Stroke Association has developed an easy-to-remember acronym called FAST to help people recognize the most common symptoms of a stroke:
- Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
- Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.”
- Time to Call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately.
Other Potential Stroke Symptoms
In addition to the FAST signs, other symptoms of a stroke can include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg. This can manifest as a loss of feeling or an inability to move the leg.
- Sudden confusion; trouble understanding. This can involve difficulty processing information, understanding spoken or written language, or following simple instructions.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. This can range from blurred vision or double vision to a partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. The person may feel dizzy or unsteady, or have a sense of vertigo.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause. This is often described as a “thunderclap” headache, which is an intense headache that comes on suddenly and reaches peak intensity within seconds or minutes.
What to Do Next: Acting Quickly Can Save Lives
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, take the following steps:
- Call 911 Immediately:Do not delay. Emergency medical technicians are trained to provide immediate care and transport the person to the hospital quickly.
- Note the Time:Try to determine when the symptoms first started. This information is crucial for medical professionals to determine the best course of treatment.
- Do Not Drive the Person to the Hospital Yourself:Emergency medical technicians can provide necessary medical care en route to the hospital.
- Keep the Person Calm and Comfortable:Reassure the person and keep them as comfortable as possible while waiting for emergency medical services.
- Do Not Give the Person Anything to Eat or Drink:This could lead to choking.
Treatment Options: Restoring Blood Flow
Treatment for stroke depends on the type of stroke. Ischemic strokes are often treated with clot-busting drugs, such as tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which can dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes may require surgery to stop the bleeding.
After a stroke, rehabilitation is often necessary to help individuals regain lost function. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Your Partner in Neurological Care
The physicians at Houston Physicians Hospital provide quality neurological care. They’re trained to diagnose and treat strokes, and they offer comprehensive rehabilitation services to help patients on their road to recovery.
On the Neuroscience Rehabilitation page, you can scroll down and find a neurosurgeons in Clear Lake TX, who’s right for you. Then click their link to visit their website and make an appointment.