Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: What To Look For

Strokes are a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. They occur when there is a sudden interruption to the blood supply in the brain, causing brain cells to become damaged or die. While the earliest signs of a stroke depend on which parts of the brain are affected, there are several common symptoms to look out for, which can be remembered using the acronym FAST. F stands for face, as in whether one side of the face droops or is numb. A stands for arms, as in whether the person can raise both arms or if one drifts downward due to weakness or numbness. S stands for speech, as in whether the person's speech is slurred or strange. T stands for time, as in if you observe any of the above symptoms, it's time to call the emergency services. Other symptoms include confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, severe headache, and nausea. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to act quickly and seek medical help immediately.

Face Drooping

One of the most well-known methods for identifying a stroke is the F.A.S.T. test. The 'F' in F.A.S.T. stands for 'face', and the test involves checking for face drooping. Ask the person to smile, and observe whether one side of their face droops or is numb. If the person's smile is uneven, this could be a sign of a stroke.

In addition to face drooping, other symptoms that may indicate a stroke include arm weakness or numbness, speech problems, blurred vision or loss of sight, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, nausea, and severe headaches. If you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately, as stroke is a life-threatening condition where every minute counts.

While stroke can occur at any age, it is more common in older individuals. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke to ensure prompt medical attention and potentially save a life.

Arm Weakness

To check for arm weakness, ask the person to raise both arms. If they have had a stroke, one arm will drift downward due to weakness or numbness. This weakness or numbness is caused by paralysis or damage to one or more of the muscles in the arm or shoulder. The muscles might feel tight instead of weak, and the stroke might have increased or decreased the muscle tone.

If you suspect that you or someone else has had a stroke, call the emergency services immediately. While waiting for emergency services, do not drive yourself or the person you suspect has had a stroke to the hospital. Instead, wait for the ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital.

Speech Problems

A person experiencing aphasia may not be able to translate their thoughts into coherent speech, and they may not understand what is being said to them. Their speech may sound jumbled, fragmented, or slurred. They may also have trouble reading and writing.

Dysarthria is another condition that can cause speech problems after a stroke. This is when a person is unable to control the muscles in their face, mouth, and throat, making it difficult to speak clearly. Their speech may become slurred or slow, or their voice may sound quiet.

If you or someone you know is experiencing speech problems, it could be a sign of a stroke. Act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:

• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time: If you notice any of the signs, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Time to Call Emergency Services

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of a stroke, it is important to act quickly and call for emergency medical services. Stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Here are some key instructions and guidelines to follow:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number: If you observe any signs or symptoms of a stroke in yourself or someone else, don't hesitate to call for help immediately. In the US, dial 911. In the UK, dial 999.
• Don't drive to the hospital: It is crucial that you don't drive yourself or the person experiencing stroke symptoms to the hospital. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin providing treatment as soon as possible.
• Note the time: When you first notice any stroke symptoms, make sure to note the time. This information is crucial for helping medical professionals determine the best course of treatment.
• Use the FAST test: The FAST test is an easy-to-remember checklist that can help you identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. It stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Ask the person to smile and check if one side of the face droops. Then, ask them to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward. For speech, ask them to repeat a simple phrase and listen for slurred or strange speech. If you observe any of these signs, call for emergency services immediately.
• Be aware of other symptoms: In addition to the FAST test, there are other warning signs of a stroke. These include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, sudden severe headache with no known cause, sudden trouble seeing from one or both eyes, and sudden dizziness or loss of balance.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sometimes, stroke symptoms can come and go quickly, lasting only a few minutes to a few hours. This is known as a TIA or "mini-stroke". Even if the symptoms go away, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately as it could be a warning sign of a more severe stroke.
• Act quickly: During a stroke, every minute counts. Fast treatment can significantly lessen the potential brain damage caused by a stroke. Don't delay in seeking medical attention, as the risk of permanent damage or death increases with time.

Other Symptoms

• Confusion and Memory Loss: A stroke can cause confusion and memory problems, making it difficult to think clearly or remember words.
• Vision Problems: Blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes can occur. This may include double vision or other vision problems.
• Dizziness and Loss of Balance: A stroke can lead to dizziness, a loss of balance, or coordination problems, increasing the risk of falling.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick, nauseous, or vomiting can be symptoms of a stroke.
• Headache: A sudden severe headache with no apparent cause can be a sign of a stroke.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is common after a stroke.
• Seizures: Seizures may occur, especially in the weeks following a stroke.
• Swelling in the Brain: Fluid buildup between the brain and skull or in the brain's cavities can cause swelling.
• Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: A stroke can affect the muscles needed for urination and bowel movements, leading to potential urinary tract infections.
• Loss of Bone Density: Physical inactivity after a stroke can contribute to a loss of bone density or strength, typically on one side of the body.
• Muscle Weakness: A stroke can cause muscle weakness, stiffness, or spasms, making it challenging to stand or walk.
• Problems with Language and Memory: Difficulty with language, thinking, or memory are possible complications of a stroke, increasing the risk of dementia.

Frequently asked questions