Strokes occur when oxygen and nutrients are cut off from the brain, often caused by blockage of blood flow or brain hemorrhaging. Strokes are the third-leading cause of death in the United States and affect 700,000 people a year. The National Institutes of Health state the risk of stroke doubles over the age of 55. According to The Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Group, most mild stroke patients make a full or almost full recovery with little or no therapy. Symptoms of minor strokes last for a few minutes to a few hours after a minor stroke has occurred.
Level of Consciousness
A person may not be fully responsive and require additional verbal and physical stimulation to gain attention. The stroke victim may appear confused and unsure of surroundings.
Aphasia
A person may not be able to communicate or speak at ease, yet total communication is not lost. Speech is slurred and difficult to understand. Simple directions may not be followed, and questions such as "what is the year" may take several moments to answer or cannot be answered.
Weakness
A person feels weak on one side of the body. A numbing or tingling sensation is felt on the face, arms or legs. A person may have a hard time walking or keeping balance. Gripping an item such as a cup or glass may be difficult. Difficulty smiling or raising eyebrows is present.
Pain
Pain is not associated with most strokes, unlike a heart attack. Severe sudden pain is only felt with a small number of strokes associated with bleeding in the brain.
Major Stroke
A minor stroke, such as a transient ischemic attack, may be signs a major stroke may occur in the near future. A major stroke may cause permanent paralysis and disability. Immediately visit a medical professional or emergency room. Medications such as blood thinners are administered to prevent further blood clots from forming.
References
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Group: Impact of Mild Stroke on Activity Participation and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study.
- National Institutes of Health: Stroke
- National Institutes of Health: Stroke Scale
- UT Southwestern Medical Center: Take a Mini-Stroke Seriously, Seek Medical Attention
- Ohio State University: Stroke
