Stroke Awareness: Anywhere, Anytime, Any Part Of The Body

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an interruption in the blood flow to the brain, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrient supply to brain cells. This can be caused by blocked blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. While strokes typically affect the brain, it is important to understand if a stroke can occur anywhere else in the body and what signs to look out for. Knowing the signs of a stroke is crucial as it can help save lives and minimise long-term effects or even prevent death.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain. It is the brain's equivalent of a heart attack. Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to brain cells, so when blood flow is blocked or there is bleeding in the brain, the brain cells are starved of oxygen and begin to die. This can happen when blood vessels are blocked by a clot or narrowed by fatty deposits, or when a blood vessel bursts.

The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is damaged, but can include paralysis, weakness, trouble speaking, swallowing problems, pain, numbness, problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgement, and memory, as well as emotional issues such as depression and anxiety.

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are the most common, caused by a blood clot or the narrowing of a blood vessel, and account for about 80% of strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a burst blood vessel, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.

Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and can happen to anyone, although the risk increases with age. It is important to know the signs of stroke and act quickly, as immediate medical attention is critical to prevent permanent damage or death.

What are the signs of a stroke?

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain, often due to blocked arteries or bleeding in the brain. Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial as it can help save lives and minimize potential long-term effects. Here are the key signs and symptoms to watch out for:

Face Drooping

Ask the person to smile and observe if one side of their face droops or appears numb. This can be a sign of muscle weakness or paralysis, often affecting one side of the face.

Arm Weakness

Instruct the person to raise both arms. If they are experiencing a stroke, one arm may drift downward due to muscle weakness or numbness, typically affecting only one side.

Speech Difficulty

People experiencing a stroke may have slurred speech or difficulty speaking and choosing the right words. They may also have trouble understanding speech.

Time to Act

If you observe any of the above signs, it is crucial to act quickly. Call for emergency medical services immediately. Note the time when the symptoms first appeared, as this information is vital for healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment.

In addition to the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) warning signs, there are other symptoms that may indicate a stroke:

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision
• Loss of balance, dizziness, or lack of coordination
• Severe headache with no apparent cause
• Emotional instability, confusion, or memory loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Passing out or fainting

What to do if you think someone is having a stroke

Strokes are a life-threatening medical emergency, and immediate action is required to prevent permanent damage or death. If you think someone is having a stroke, follow these steps:

Call 911 or your local emergency number:

Do not delay; every minute counts when someone is having a stroke. Call for emergency medical help immediately. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Get an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin treatment as soon as possible.

Use the F.A.S.T. acronym to identify stroke symptoms:

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Look for a droop on one or both sides of their face, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Observe if one arm drifts downward, suggesting muscle weakness on one side.
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Listen for slurred or strange speech.
• Time: If you observe any of these signs, act quickly. Note the time when symptoms first appear, as this information helps healthcare providers determine the best treatment.

Look for other stroke symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes, such as blurred or double vision.
• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause.
• Other warning signs include double vision, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting.

Provide preliminary first aid:

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, assist the person in maintaining their breathing, circulation, and comfort. Loosen tight clothing, provide reassurance, and monitor their vital signs.

Share relevant information:

If the person having a stroke or someone with them has a history of stroke, inform the emergency responders or medical team. This information can help determine the appropriate emergency treatment.

Remember, a stroke is a critical condition, and time is of the essence. Acting quickly by recognizing the signs and calling for emergency medical assistance can significantly impact the person's chances of recovery.

How to treat a stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Here are some detailed instructions on how to treat a stroke:

Recognise the Signs and Symptoms

It is crucial to be able to recognise the signs of a stroke to ensure prompt action. Remember the acronym BE FAST or FAST:

• Balance: Watch out for a sudden loss of balance.
• Eyes: Look for sudden loss of vision or double vision in one or both eyes.
• Face: Ask the person to smile and observe if one side of their face droops, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward, it suggests muscle weakness.
• Speech: The person may have slurred speech, garbled speech (dysarthria), or difficulty understanding or forming speech.
• Time: Time is critical. Call emergency services immediately if you observe any of the above signs. Note the time when symptoms first appear, as this guides treatment.

Call for Emergency Medical Services

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not drive yourself or the person experiencing stroke symptoms to the hospital. Ambulance services can provide life-saving treatment while en route to the hospital and ensure quicker diagnosis and treatment upon arrival.

Treatment at the Hospital

Treatment depends on the type of stroke, the time elapsed since symptoms began, and the patient's medical history. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic Stroke Treatment

Ischemic strokes are caused by blocked blood vessels in the brain, often due to blood clots. Treatment aims to restore blood flow to the affected areas of the brain:

• Thrombolytic Drugs: These "clot-busting" drugs, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), must be given within 3 to 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms to break up blood clots.
• Thrombectomy: A procedure to remove the clot from the blood vessel. A catheter (a long, flexible tube) is inserted into the upper thigh and guided to the blocked artery in the neck or brain.
• Angioplasty and Stenting: A thin tube is used to insert a balloon or small mesh tube into the blocked artery to clear space for blood flow.
• Blood Thinners: Anticoagulant medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, may be given to prevent blood clots from forming or enlarging.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment

Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain, often due to ruptured blood vessels. Treatment aims to stop the bleeding and reduce pressure on the brain:

• Blood Pressure Medication: Lowering blood pressure is crucial to reduce bleeding and ease the strain on blood vessels in the brain.
• Endovascular Procedures: These procedures repair weak spots or breaks in blood vessels.
• Surgical Treatment: Surgery may be performed to stop bleeding, such as placing a metal clip to treat a ruptured aneurysm.
• Vitamin K: This may be given to improve clotting and stop the bleeding, especially if the person was taking blood-thinning medications.
• Draining Excess Fluid: Removing excess fluid that has built up in the brain can relieve pressure and reduce damage.
• Skull Surgery: In cases of significant swelling, surgery may be performed to temporarily remove part of the skull to give room for the brain to swell without pressure.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is an essential part of stroke treatment and can help the person regain their independence. This may include:

• Speech Therapy: To improve language, speaking abilities, and control of muscles for breathing, eating, drinking, and swallowing.
• Physical Therapy: To improve movement and coordination, especially in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.
• Occupational Therapy: To retrain daily activities such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing.
• Cognitive Therapy: To address memory problems, concentration issues, and other cognitive challenges.

Preventing Another Stroke

People who have had a stroke are at high risk of experiencing another one. It is crucial to address the underlying causes and make necessary lifestyle changes. This may include:

• Managing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, obesity, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Adopting a healthy diet and improving lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking and increasing physical activity.
• Taking prescribed medications, such as blood thinners, as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Remember, time is of the essence when treating a stroke. The faster the person receives medical attention, the higher the chances of recovery and minimising long-term disabilities.

How to prevent a stroke

While a stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention, there are several ways to reduce the risk of having one. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prevent a stroke:

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for stroke prevention. Aim for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with at least 4 to 5 cups every day. Include fish in your meals two to three times a week, and opt for whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Limit your intake of salt, saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol. Avoid unhealthy foods such as burgers, cheese, and ice cream, which are high in cholesterol and saturated fats.

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels, all of which are risk factors for stroke. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, every day. If you can't manage 30 minutes at once, break it up into shorter 10- to 15-minute sessions throughout the day. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, so get up and move whenever possible.

Control Your Weight

Obesity increases the risk of stroke, as well as associated complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Work with your doctor to determine a healthy weight range for your body and create a personalised weight loss strategy if needed. A healthy body mass index (BMI) is generally considered to be 25 or less.

Monitor and Control Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke, and it often shows no symptoms. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and work with your healthcare team to control it. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and increased physical activity, can help lower blood pressure. If necessary, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage it.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake can raise your blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke. Men should not exceed two drinks per day, and women should limit themselves to one drink per day. If possible, avoid alcohol altogether or consume it in moderation, with red wine being a preferred choice.

Quit Smoking

Smoking significantly increases the likelihood of having a stroke. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective ways to reduce your stroke risk. Consult your doctor for advice and support on the best methods to stop smoking, such as nicotine replacement therapy or counselling.

Manage Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, increase the risk of stroke. Work closely with your healthcare team to manage these conditions effectively. Regular check-ups and adherence to prescribed treatments are essential for keeping these conditions under control and lowering your stroke risk.

Frequently asked questions