Minutes matter: Why you need to know the signs of a stroke

During a stroke, blood flow to the brain is disrupted, preventing essential nutrients and oxygen from reaching parts of the brain. Quick treatment is needed to restore blood flow and prevent further damage, which is why you should know the signs of a stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of both death and disability among Americans. The faster blood flow to the brain is restored after a stroke, the less damage that is done. Death can occur if the brain is without oxygen for too long, and disability occurs when parts of the brain go without oxygen for a period of time.

As portions of the brain are deprived of blood, it can cause temporary or even permanent disability related to certain body functions controlled by that part of the brain.

When a stroke happens, it’s an emergency, best treated by medical professionals at a Comprehensive Stroke Center like West Jefferson Medical Center. Knowing the signs of a stroke and how to react when they occur can be lifesaving.

What a stroke is

There are two kinds of strokes, and they happen in slightly different ways. Ischemic stroke is the most common, causing nearly 90% of strokes. This type of stroke occurs when an artery leading to or in the brain is blocked.

The other type of stroke is called hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. This causes a hemorrhage, and the excess blood in the brain can put pressure on parts of the brain, causing damage.

Aside from these two types of stroke, there’s also a condition called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a ministroke. A transient ischemic attack occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain but only temporarily, typically for five minutes or less.

While a ministroke may seem like less of an emergency, any time a person experiences a TIA or stroke, emergency treatment is needed. A ministroke is often a precursor to a regular stroke.

The signs of a stroke

Because fast treatment is needed when a stroke occurs, everyone should know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke can include:

• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden difficulty seeing
• Sudden difficulty walking or a loss of balance
• Sudden severe headache without a clear cause
• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

You’ll note that each of those symptoms includes the word sudden. That’s because stroke symptoms typically emerge quite quickly, and you need to react just as quickly.

Wondering how to tell if someone has had a stroke? Use the BE FAST acronym to remember:

• Balance. Is the person struggling with balance and coordination?
• Eyes. Is the person experiencing blurred or double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes?
• Face. Ask the person to smile. Looking at each side of the face, does the person’s face droop?
• Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or appear weak or numb?
• Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his or her speech slurred or unclear?
• Time. If the person has any of these symptoms, it is time to call 911.

While treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke, immediate treatment is needed to minimize damage. Don’t attempt to drive the person to the hospital—emergency medical personnel in an ambulance can provide potentially lifesaving care on the way to West Jefferson Medical Center.

Stroke symptoms are an emergency. When an emergency happens, get the expertise and care you need at West Jefferson Medical Center.