May is Stroke Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to refresh your knowledge on what to do if you witness someone having a stroke. A quick response is an important factor in helping the stroke victim get fast treatment and the care they need to prevent death and disability.
First, know the signs.
Familiarize yourself with the signs of stroke that appear in both men and women.
These symptoms present themselves suddenly:
- Numbness, weakness or drooping in the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Difficulty walking or balancing; loss of coordination
- Severe headache or dizziness
Time lost is brain lost.
During a stroke, every minute counts! Getting treatment fast can reduce stroke-related brain damage and increase the chances of survival and recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), treatments are most effective when stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three hours.
If you observe any of the symptoms of stroke:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Do not attempt to drive the person to the hospital yourself.
- Make a note of the time the symptoms began. This will be helpful when communicating with medical professionals.
Emergency medical personnel are highly trained in recognizing and treating stroke. They will begin treatment as soon as they arrive on the scene, which is an important factor in improving the patient’s outcomes. Patients who get to the hospital within three hours of the first signs of stroke symptoms may receive medication that can improve their chances of full recovery.
What are “mini strokes” (TIAs) and why should they be taken seriously?
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or “mini-strokes”) are regarded as “warning strokes” and are a serious sign that a future stroke will occur. They should be treated as a medical emergency just as if a full stroke is occurring.
As with major strokes, TIAs are caused by blood clots or other blood vessel blockages to the brain. However, blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time — usually no more than five minutes, according to the CDC — and these mini strokes don’t cause permanent brain injury.
The symptoms of a TIA, such as dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness and lack of coordination, should not be dismissed. They are a wakeup call that a more serious stroke event is likely to happen, especially if the patient has risk factors such as high blood pressure.
