According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the third leading cause of death is stroke. There are two causes of strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel bursts and an ischemic stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Regardless of the cause, strokes produce the same symptoms and can have the same life-altering results if the stroke isn't treated quickly.
Time Frame
The symptoms of a stroke manifest suddenly. According to the Neurology Channel, many stroke victims delay seeking medical attention because the symptoms of the stroke aren't painful. However, this can prove to be a life-changing decision. The American Stroke Association states that drugs called tissue plasminogin activators should be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms.
Balance and Paralysis
A person having a stroke may be dizzy, have trouble walking or lose his balance easily. Additionally, one side of the body may be paralyzed. The Stroke Center states that the side the symptoms are on depends on the location of the affected portion of the brain and how severe the damage to brain is.
Headaches and Speech
The Mayo Clinic reports that headaches and speech problems are symptoms of a stroke. The headache may be sudden and severe, often coming on out of the blue. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, a stiff neck, vision problems and facial pain. A stroke can also cause speech impairment, which causes slurred speech. This is often likened to the speech of a drunk person.
Confusion
The person having a stroke may not realize that she is having a stroke. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that a person who is having a stroke may seem confused and disoriented. If this is accompanied by any other symptoms of a stroke, calling emergency services immediately is vital.
Transient Ischemic Attack
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are often called mini-strokes. According to the American Heart Association, a TIA has the same symptoms as a stroke, however, these symptoms are usually temporary and don't lead to brain damage. Having a TIA is a warning sign that you should be on the look-out for a major stroke, and you should be prepared to deal with one.
