Stroke symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms that occur when you have a stroke. The trouble is you may not recognise them or realise what they mean. Understanding stroke symptoms and what to do is essential in order to give the medical staff time to assess and start treatment as soon as possible.
Typical Symptoms Of Strokes
One or more of these symptoms may occur.
- Difficulty talking or finding words or sudden confusion
- Loss of strength on one side of the body which may affect face, arm or leg
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination, feeling dizzy
- Severe headache of rapid onset
The NHS has just launched a new campaign to raise awareness of stroke and what to do if it is suspected. You just need to remember to act F.A.S.T.
- Face – has the face drooped or dropped on one side. Can they smile normally or is it uneven?
- Arm – Is it possible to lift their arms over their head and keep them there?
- Speech – Is their speech slurred or more difficult to understand? Do they seem confused?
- Time – If they have any of the above then call 999 for an ambulance.
The importance of early recognition of stroke symptoms is the damage that quickly occurs when brain cells are starved of oxygen. Treatment needs to be started as soon as possible in order to minimise damage and residual disabilities.
As stroke is still one of the major causes of disability in the UK one of the best methods of reducing this is for stroke patients to get to hospital sooner and for treatment to be started. Tackling the causes of stroke and stroke prevention also need to be addressed.
The symptoms a person displays depend very much on the part of the brain affected by the stroke. If it is just a mini stroke or TIA, these symptoms may soon resolve and everything returns to normal. In this situation it is essential the patient goes to hospital to be assessed and any treatment started.
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