A stroke occurs when blood flow is obstructed to the brain, causing brain cells to die and brain damage to occur. Damage can affect movement, speech and memory. Blood flow is blocked when a blood clot is present in an artery, or a blood vessel bursts due to increased blood pressure. According to The National Stroke Association, strokes are the third leading cause of death in U.S. People can recover from a stoke if medical treatment is immediately available; however, many stroke survivors will have some form of disability. Recognizing the early signs of a stroke is a key to prevention and treatment.
One-sided Weakness
Sudden weakness on one side of the body is one of the prime signs that a stroke has occurred. A person will have difficulty smiling, or the smile will appear lopsided. Ask the person to raise both his arms to see if one arm drifts downward. Weakness may be only slightly noticeable, though in more severe cases the entire side of the body is affected.
Mental Confusion and Communication
Confusion may be present; a stroke victim may not be able to identify the year they were born or count backwards from 10. A person suffering a stroke may have difficulty speaking and forming sentences, also known as aphasia. Speech may be slurred and hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a sentence or answer simple questions. A stroke sufferer may also have a difficult time following simple directions.
Headache and Dizziness
A person suffering a stroke may feel a sudden onset of dizziness. Severe headaches and pains may occur. Headaches are often accompanied by facial pain and severe stiffness of the neck. Nausea and vomiting may also accompany the headaches. Vision may become blurred or double vision can occur. A person may not be able to see out of one eye. Staying balanced while walking is an additional sign a stroke has occurred. In this case, the person should remain lying down or seated to avoid further injuries from a fall.
