Stroke signs

During the past two weeks in class we talked about Stroke. Mainly we discussed about the after affects of stoke. I know that people other than our two combined classes look/read this blog and thought that it might be helpful if someone put some information about the signs and symptoms of a person having a stroke so that they could get the care they need within that critical time window.

Strokes occur when parts of the brain dies due to the lack of blood. About 85% of strokes are consider being an ischemic stroke or clogged vessel stroke. This occurs usually by a blood clot or fatty deposits blocking the vessels to that no adequate blood flow is happening to the brain. The other 15% of strokes occur by having a burst vessel or hemorrhagic stroke. This is caused by blood vessels being ruptured that in turns prevent normal blood flow to the brain and allows blood to leak into the brain tissue itself.

Strokes early symptoms are often ignored. Some signs of stroke include:
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing.
• Sudden trouble walking or dizziness
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Another way of looking at the symptoms/early sign is using the anagram F.A.S.T.
Facial weakness: most commonly the person is asked to smile. See if the person’s mouth or eyelids have drooped.

Arm weakness: see if the person is able to raise both arms.

Speech problems: can the person repeat a simple sentence or speak clearly?

Test all three symptoms: If the person happens to fails any of the tests, call 911 immediately.

So always remember to act F.A.S.T. it could save a life.
Source:
http://www.crozer.org/CKHS/Hidden/Services/Stroke+Care/Warning+Signs+and+Risk+Factors+of+Stroke.htm
http://www.strokeinfo.org/