When a loved one is experiencing a stroke, what to do.? This is a concern many people have. The signs and symptoms of a stroke are usually there, but then people do not know what course of action to take when the emergency presents itself.

What is a stroke?

A stroke can happen anytime. It’s unpredictability and lack of warning signals are what make it so dangerous. It usually occurs because of a blood clot to the brain. This can cause a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain and can make a person unable to walk or talk. There are times when the effects of the stroke fade away completely, and other times the effects are permanent.

If your loved one is having a stroke – what to do

Call an ambulance. The first instinct you may have in the heat of the moment would be to drive your loved one to the hospital. However, an ambulance is a better option because it can get through traffic much quicker than your car can. When calling 911, you must mention that your family member is experiencing a stroke.

Keep track of the symptoms that appear. You will need to describe these symptoms to the attending physician when you reach the hospital, so you must know which stoke symptoms your loved one is experiencing.

Communication is the key. Keep talking to the person who had the stroke, especially while they are still able to communicate. There are chances that they might not be able to communicate after some time. Use the opportunity to ask them to describe how they are feeling.

Perform CPR, if you know how. If you are familiar with administering CPR, do so if your loved one has fallen unconscious and the emergency medical team has not yet arrived.

Stay calm. You must stay calm. Panicking will not do anyone any good. Stay calm so that you can be able to remember everything you need to do, and when you talk to the doctor at the hospital, you will have a clear mind.

What you should never do

Do not let them take any medication. Aspirin is a blood thinner. You may be thinking it is within the person’s best interests to have them drink medicine. However, there is more than one cause of strokes, and since you cannot tell which cause your loved one experienced, it is best to stay away from medicines and not risk making the situation worse.

Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink. Giving food or drinks when a person is having a stroke can be potentially harmful to the person. They can choke if they have difficulty swallowing or breathing, and in other cases, it may cause paralysis if they are experiencing extreme muscle weakness. It is best to stay away from food or beverages while the person is having a stroke.