A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies some part of the brain either gets blocked by a clot (called an ischemic stroke) or ruptures (called a hemorrhagic stroke). Both events can cause blood and necessary oxygen delivery to be disrupted and the brain tissue will quickly die or become damaged. According to the national stroke associate, stoke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a major contributor to long term disability in adults. There are some effective treatments for stroke that can improve the chance of survival and reduce the damage caused, but they must be delivered quickly, making it imperative that individuals recognize the signs of stroke and take quick action.
Loss of Sensation
Stroke symptoms happen quickly and any sudden loss of sensation in any part of the body should be treated as an emergency. Sensation loss may happen to the face, arm or leg and is likely to happen on only one side of the body. Weakness in one or both limbs may also be a sign of stroke. MayoClinic.com suggests trying to raise both arms over the head to see if both have equal strength. It is important to seek medical attention if you cannot pass this exercise.
Trouble Speaking
If you suddenly have difficulty speaking or articulating or if you are slurring your speech, you should know that these are common signs of stroke. Try and repeat some simple or common sentence to test yourself. You may also have trouble understanding others when they are speaking to you or you may be confused. If these are new and sudden symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Headache
One common sign of stroke that many patients report is a sudden and severe headache. Many have described it as the worst headache they have ever experienced and it will likely be a new type of pain. Headache due to stroke may occur at any location on the head and may either be generalized or focal in location. Do not treat this sign lightly even if it seems to go away.
Trouble Walking
Because a stroke affects the function of the brain, you may experience dizziness (vertigo) and trouble walking. You may find that you sway to one side as you walk and that you cannot control your limbs. Sudden loss of coordination is a common sign of stroke.
Trouble Seeing
Many patients who have experienced stoke have reported loss of vision or visual acuity in one or both eyes. You may have double vision or vision may blacked out. Again, this is a sign of stroke if the symptom comes on quickly and is unexplained.
