A stroke occurs when an artery leading to the brain ruptures or becomes clogged, thus damaging part of the brain. The portion of the body controlled by the damaged brain area cannot function correctly. Stoke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, as reported by Dr. Wayne Rosamond in the February 2007 issue of "Circulation." Receiving medical attention soon after detecting the symptoms of a stroke can help minimize damage.
Sudden Headache
A person having a stroke may experience a sudden and severe headache. Other symptoms may accompany the headache, including pain on the face or between the eyes, a stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, or losing consciousness.
Sudden Numbness or Weakness
Someone having a stroke may have sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs. The numbness or weakness occurs on only one side of the body. The affected side is opposite where the stroke is occurring. For example, if the stroke is on the right side of the brain, the left side of the body will be numb or weak. One test to help determine the possibility of a stroke is to try raising both arms over the head at the same time. A stroke is likely if one arm begins to drop. Another test is to try smiling. Drooping of one side of the mouth may indicate a stroke.
Sudden Vision Difficulties
Sudden difficulty in seeing with one or both eyes may be a stroke indicator. A person having a stroke may have blurred or darkened vision. Seeing double is another possible symptom of a stroke.
Sudden Speech or Comprehension Difficulties
Sudden difficulties speaking or understanding what others say may indicate a stroke. Someone having a stroke may have slurred speech or have difficulties finding what words to say. Being unable to repeat a simple sentence may also imply a stroke.
Sudden Walking or Balance Difficulties
Someone having a stroke may walk unsteady. The person may suddenly fall down, be unable to balance, have dizziness, or be incapable of coordinating bodily movements.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a fleeting break of blood supply to a part of the brain. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, but they last for a shorter period of time and do not leave noticeable and permanent consequences. Some people have more than one TIA in their lifetime. However, a TIA may be an indicator of an imminent stroke. In an analysis of several studies published in the December 2007 issue of "The Archives of Internal Medicine," Dr. Caren Wu found that having a TIA places a person at high risk for a stroke.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Early Risk of Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack; Caren Wu, Kevin McLaughlin, Diane Lorenzetti, Michael Hill, Braden Manns, and William Ghali; December 2007.
- "Circulation"; Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -- 2007 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee; Wayne Rosamond, Katherine Flegal, Gary Friday, Karen Furie, Alan Go, Kurt Greenlund, Nancy Haase, Michael Ho, Virginia Howard, Bret Kissela, Steven Kittner, Donald Lloyd-Jones, Mary McDermott, James Meigs, Claudia Moy, Graham Nichol, Christopher J. O'Donnell, Veronique Roger, John Rumsfeld, Paul Sorlie, Julia Steinberger, Thomas Thom, Sylvia Wasserthiel-Smoller, and Yuling Hong; February 2007.
