A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain cells dying within minutes. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention. Here are the common symptoms:
Common Symptoms of Stroke
1. Sudden Numbness or Weakness
- Face, Arm, or Leg: This often occurs on one side of the body. It may be difficult to smile, raise both arms, or keep both legs balanced.
2. Sudden Confusion
- Difficulty Speaking: Trouble speaking or understanding speech. This might include slurred speech, speaking gibberish, or difficulty finding words.
- Difficulty Understanding: Trouble understanding what others are saying.
3. Sudden Vision Problems
- Blurred Vision: Sudden blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes.
- Double Vision: Seeing double or having difficulty focusing.
4. Sudden Severe Headache
- Unexplained Pain: A sudden, severe headache that may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, or altered consciousness, especially if there is no clear cause.
5. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance
- Coordination Issues: Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
Other Possible Symptoms
- Sudden Trouble Walking: Unsteady gait or difficulty walking.
- Sudden Nausea or Vomiting: These symptoms can accompany a severe headache.
- Sudden Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) can occur.
- Sudden Loss of Consciousness: This can happen in severe cases.
BE FAST Acronym for Stroke Symptoms
A useful acronym to remember the symptoms and actions to take is BE FAST:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- F – Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile.
- A – Arm Weakness: One arm feels weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms.
- S – Speech Difficulty: Speech is slurred, or the person has difficulty speaking or understanding. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
- T – Time to Call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 immediately and note the time the symptoms started.
Importance of Immediate Medical Attention
A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of long-term damage and improve outcomes. The sooner a person receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery. Medications and interventions are most effective when administered within the first few hours of symptom onset.
Types of Stroke
Understanding the types of stroke can also help in recognizing and responding to symptoms:
- Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blockage in an artery leading to the brain, often due to a blood clot. It accounts for about 87% of all strokes.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a blood vessel rupturing and bleeding into the brain. This can be due to conditions like high blood pressure, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a mini-stroke, TIA symptoms are similar to those of a stroke but temporary, lasting less than 24 hours. A TIA is a warning sign of a possible future stroke and requires immediate medical attention.
Recognizing the signs and acting quickly can save lives and improve recovery outcomes for stroke victims.