What Are The Signs Of A Stroke? (How To Recognize Them)

When you have a loved one that is experiencing a stroke, it helps to know about the signs of a stroke. Every minute counts when it comes to a stroke happening, knowing the signs will help a person be wary about what is happening. It also helps to have knowledge about what to do when you notice stroke signs. This article will talk about the signs of stroke and how to help your loved one.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is caused by the sudden loss of oxygen to the brain. Getting the person to a hospital for treatment at the soonest possible time is essential to lessen the damage to the brain.

Signs of stroke

It pays to know what the signs of a stroke are. If you are able to recognize a stroke when it happens, it may be a difference of life or death for the person. Here is a list of signs that can signal that a person is experiencing a stroke.

Slurred speech

Does the person’s speech seem slurred or strange? This could be the effect the stroke is having on their brain. If you notice the person talking in a way that is not how they usually talk, they might be experiencing a stroke.

One-side dropping off the face

If you ask the person to smile and notice that one side of their face droops downward, this is a sign that a stroke may be affecting the brain.

One arm drifting

Asking the person to lift up their arms and noticing if one of their arms drifts downward, this could also be a sign of what is going on in the person’s brain.

Time is of the essence. You do not need to have the person exhibit all the signs before taking them to a hospital or medical center. If you notice even just one of these signs, make sure your loved one gets immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of stroke

Knowing the signs are important, but knowing the symptoms are essential, too. Being able to acknowledge when a stroke is happening to you as well can potentially save your life.

Numbness

If you experience numbness, especially in only one side of your face or body, tell someone to bring you to a hospital.

Weakness

Weakness is also a symptom that a person having a stroke can experience. If you are feeling weaker than usual, this may be because of the lack of oxygen your brain is receiving.

Confusion

Being confused is a symptom of stroke. However, if you are still able to compose yourself enough to tell someone about this, and to have them drive you to a hospital, please tell someone.

Trouble seeing

Most patients who have had strokes in the past describe their vision during the stroke event to be blurry and unstable. If you are experiencing vision problems like these, it may be your body’s way of telling you that you are having a stroke.

Trouble walking

People who are experiencing stroke are easily outbalanced. Some patients also report feeling dizzy and unable to stand because the world seems like it is spinning around them.

Severe headache

One more symptom is a very bad headache. The lack of oxygen to the brain may be causing the pain and discomfort that you are feeling. Often, this type of headache does not have any obvious cause. This is because it is being caused by the stroke.

If your family has a history of stroke, it may mean that you may also be in danger of experiencing stroke in the future.

What to do

If you notice one of your family members of loved ones exhibiting any of these signs, it is very important to take them to have immediate medical attention. The amount of damage that a person’s brain (and the rest of their bodies) will depend on how quickly the person is able to be brought to a doctor.

On the other hand, if your family has a history of stroke, it is best to be ready for anything that could happen. You and the people who live with you should come up with a strategy and game plan. The game plan should include pointers on what should be done should the instance ever occur that one of you was ever having a stroke.

You should study the signs of a stroke, and how to recognize them. The plan should also include how to recognize if a stroke is happening to you. There should be a set way on how to let your family members know that you may be experiencing a stroke. You should prepare verbal and non-verbal signs and signals that you or your family members can use (especially if the person is unable to talk) to tell the other people that they are having a stroke. Your plan should also include how to get the afflicted person to a hospital.

Keep in mind that getting the person to a doctor will lower the chances of serious and permanent damage to the brain.

Final thoughts

Although there is no way to anticipate a stroke before it happens, it pays to know how to recognize the signs and tell when a stroke is already happening. Keep in mind that the less time has passed since the start of the stoke event, the more you can prevent any serious effects from happening to your loved one.

They say that a person who has already had a history of stroke is more likely to experience another event of stroke in the future. If you have a family member or loved one who lives with you who has suffered a stroke in the past, it is important to keep an eye out for these signs. Every moment counts when it comes to a stroke. You have to be keen and observant of your loved one. By doing that, you can make sure that your loved one will be able to get to a medical facility the soonest, to get prompt treatment and the best care.