Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Prompt medical attention can mean the difference between recovery or significant disability, even death. It's important to recognize the symptoms of stroke and seek immediate medical assistance if you or someone you know is experiencing one or more symptoms. When a person is treated within three hours after the first symptoms, his chances for recovery from stroke are greatly enhanced.
Weakness or Numbness on One Side of the Body
Sudden weakness and/or numbness in your face, arms or legs are common symptoms of a stroke. One type of brain attack is an ischemic stroke. This is caused by a lack of blood flow in the brain due to a blockage in a blood vessel or artery in the brain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), about 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic. The loss of oxygen and nutrients to the brain results in the death of brain tissue. The damage to one side or hemisphere of the brain affects the other side of the body. For example, if the left side of the brain is damaged, weakness or numbness would be seen on the right side of the body.
Trouble Speaking, Understanding, and/or Confusion
When a brain attack affects the language center of the brain, it can result in difficultly in understanding what is being said. It can also create difficulties with speaking. Speech can be slurred, or the person may not be able to talk at all. In some strokes, a person can speak clearly with no slurring but the content of the message makes no sense. The person with the symptoms may not be aware he's not making sense or is not being understood by the listener. A second kind of stroke is hemorrhagic. These strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain due to a burst blood vessel. The NINDS reports that 20 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic. When a blood vessel bursts in the brain, blood flows into the brain and creates sudden, excessive pressure. Like an ischemic stroke, symptoms are immediate and may include one or more of the symptoms listed.
Headache
A sudden severe headache is another symptom of stroke. The headache can also be accompanied by vomiting or a change in consciousness. If you or someone you are with experiences any symptoms of a stroke, call 911 for immediate medical attention.
Trouble With Vision
Sometimes a sudden loss of vision, blurred vision or change of vision in one or both eyes may be the result of a stroke. A temporary loss of blood flow to the brain can result in a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The symptoms are the same as those for a full-blown stroke, but they may only last for a short time--up to 24 hours--before resolving. If you or someone you know experiences one of these "mini strokes," seek medical attention immediately. TIAs, while short-lived, cause the death of cells in the brain. Repeated TIAs can create the same kind of problems as ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. The Mayo Clinic reports that a TIA may be a symptom or warning sign of an impending major stroke.
Inability or Difficulty Walking
The sudden loss of the ability to walk, sudden onset of dizziness or difficulty maintaining one's balance may be a symptom of a stroke. If you think someone is having a stroke, the National Stroke Association suggests you act F.A.S.T.: Face (Ask the person to smile, look for facial drooping on one side or the other), Arms (Can the person raise both arms? Is one arm more difficult to raise than the other?), Speech (Is there any slurring of speech? Can the person repeat a simple sentence?), and Time (If a person is displaying any symptoms, time is important. Seek medical attention immediately.).
