Published By: Rinks

How To Recognize The Signs Of A Stroke In A Loved One

It would be an understatement to say that you hold your family in the highest regard. You probably wouldn't think twice about risking your life to save them, which is why it's crucial that you learn to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and administer emergency care.

In the case of a medical emergency, knowing what to do might be the difference between saving a life and watching a loved one suffer permanent harm. Strokes can be difficult to diagnose since the symptoms a person has can vary depending on which section of the brain is damaged. However, some symptoms tend to appear more frequently than others because some regions of the brain are more vulnerable to damage.

The abbreviation FAST is frequently used as a standard for recognising the signs of a stroke. The letters stand for the following symptoms: Face (uneven facial expression or sagging on one side of the face), Arms (weak, paralysed, or numb arm or leg), and Speech (listen for difficulty speaking or interpreting speech), and Time (make sure you call 9-1-1 as soon as possible). Another typical abbreviation is BE FAST, where B stands for Balance (dizziness, difficulty to balance, disorientation, or a sudden headache), E stands for Eyes, and S stands for Sudden (a sudden change of vision). Since one side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body, a stroke will usually only affect one side of the body.

It's critical to seek medical attention right away, and then check on your loved one.

Keep Calm And Call For Help

Any of these symptoms might indicate a stroke, so you should get medical help right away if you see them. Once you've established that, make sure the individual is safe. Lie them down or have them sit down if they're standing so they don't hurt themselves by falling over. Due to possible difficulties swallowing, it is imperative that they receive no liquids or pills of any kind.

In the event that they lose consciousness and stop breathing, do CPR if you know how. If the victim is conscious and able to talk, it is crucial to gather whatever information they can provide for the emergency medical personnel. The onset of symptoms, the stroke victim's medical history, and any drugs or allergies they're currently taking should all be recorded here.

It's Crucial That We Act Quickly: More And More Brain Cells Die Every Minute

When someone has a stroke, every second counts. More and more brain cells die off with each passing minute. It can take months, or even years, to regain capability, and this is partly dependent on the area of the brain that was impacted. Ischemic strokes (caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain) require prompt medical attention; ideally, treatment should begin within 60 minutes of the patient's arrival at the hospital, and no later than 3-4.5 hours after the stroke occurred.

Strokes may happen to anyone at any age, although the odds of experiencing one rise with age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 62% of hospitalized stroke patients are 65 and older, with 38% being younger than 65.