How To Induce Strokes: Harmful Ways To Avoid

Strokes are a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain, often due to blocked blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. They are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of adult disability. While strokes can happen without warning, certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is crucial to act quickly by calling for emergency medical assistance and providing supportive care until help arrives.

Call an ambulance immediately

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, it is imperative that you call an ambulance immediately. Do not drive the person to the hospital yourself or allow them to drive, as this could result in a delay in receiving life-saving treatment. Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment, as brain cells die quickly without blood flow, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage or death.

When you call 911 or your local emergency number, you will be connected to a dispatcher who is trained to ask specific questions to help emergency medical technicians (EMTs) assess the situation and locate the patient. If possible, try to note the time when symptoms started, as this information can help healthcare providers determine the best treatment options.

While you wait for the ambulance to arrive, there are several things you can do to assist the person experiencing stroke symptoms. If the person is conscious, lay them on their side with their head slightly raised and supported. Loosen any restrictive clothing to prevent breathing difficulties. If they have obvious weakness in a limb, support it and avoid pulling on it when moving them. If the person becomes unconscious, check their breathing and pulse, and start CPR if necessary.

Remember, recognising the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome. Some key signs to look out for include:

• Sudden loss of balance, leaning, or staggering
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision
• Facial drooping or weakness, or numbness on one side
• Weakness or lack of coordination in an arm or leg
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden onset of a severe headache

If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to call for emergency medical assistance.

Do not give the person aspirin

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. When a person is having a stroke, it is imperative that they receive immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage or death.

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, do not give them aspirin. Call 911 and seek medical help right away. While aspirin can help prevent further clot formation in ischemic strokes, which account for about 85% of all strokes, it can worsen a hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes, which make up 15% of all strokes, are caused by bleeding in or around the brain. As a blood thinner, aspirin would increase bleeding and make a hemorrhagic stroke more severe.

It is challenging to determine the type of stroke a person is having without a medical scan, such as a CT scan. Therefore, it is crucial to let a doctor decide whether aspirin is appropriate. Taking aspirin without medical advice can be dangerous and may cause more harm than good.

Additionally, the ability to swallow is often impaired during the acute phase of a stroke, making it unsafe to administer aspirin orally. Rectal administration of aspirin by paramedics has been considered but deemed undignified and unnecessary. Thus, it is generally recommended to delay giving aspirin to stroke patients until they reach the hospital, where the type of stroke can be accurately determined and appropriate treatment can be provided.

Do not give the person anything to eat or drink

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain. It is critical to call emergency services immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke, as quick treatment is necessary to prevent permanent brain damage or death.

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, it is important to not give the person anything to eat or drink. This is because a stroke often causes the person to lose their ability to speak, slurring their speech or causing them to have trouble choosing the right words. This can lead to difficulties swallowing, which may result in choking, coughing, gagging, or even inhaling liquids into the lungs.

In addition, the stroke may have affected the person's senses of taste or smell, reducing their appetite and making them less likely to want to eat or drink. Offering food or drink may also be dangerous if the person is experiencing muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, as they may not be able to hold or safely manipulate utensils.

If the person is conscious, it is important to keep them comfortable and calm while waiting for medical help to arrive. Offer reassurance and support, and assist them in sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Do not leave them alone, and monitor their breathing and vital signs if possible.

Help the person lie down

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly and not delay seeking help. Here are some steps you can take to help the person lie down:

• Call an ambulance: Your first instinct might be to drive the person to the hospital, but calling 911 will get them quicker access to medical assistance. Paramedics are equipped to handle different emergency situations and can offer life-saving help on the way to the hospital, reducing the damaging effects of the stroke.
• Notify the operator: Inform the 911 operator that you suspect the person is having a stroke. This will allow paramedics to be better prepared to help, and the hospital can also get ready for their arrival.
• Track the symptoms: Keep a mental or written note of the symptoms, including when they began. This information will be crucial for medical staff at the hospital, especially if the person is unable to communicate. Note any known medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, or diabetes.
• Gather information: While waiting for the ambulance, ask the person about any medications they are taking, their health conditions, and known allergies. Write this information down to share with medical staff later if the person becomes unable to communicate.
• Encourage the person to lie down: If the person is sitting or standing, help them lie down on their side with their head elevated. This position promotes blood flow to the brain. Do not move the person if they have fallen, but loosen any restrictive clothing to keep them comfortable.
• Perform CPR if needed: If the person becomes unconscious, check if they are still breathing and if you can find a pulse. If not, start performing CPR. If you don't know how, the 911 operator can guide you through the process until help arrives.

Loosen any restrictive clothing

Following a stroke, individuals often experience challenges with everyday tasks, including getting dressed. It is important to prioritize the stroke patient's comfort and opt for clothing that is non-restrictive and allows for easy movement. Loose-fitting clothes are ideal, as they provide comfort and facilitate movement.

When selecting clothing for a stroke patient, consider the following:

• Opt for garments with wide openings and simple closures: Choose clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Look for wide necklines and stretchy fabrics.
• Prioritize comfort: Adaptive clothing is designed with comfort in mind, making it a preferred choice for stroke patients. Look for soft, gentle fabrics that are comfortable to wear, especially if the person spends extended periods sitting or lying down.
• Choose practical clothing: Consider the specific needs of the stroke patient. For example, if they have limited mobility in one arm, opt for clothing that accommodates that condition. Clothing with adaptive features like magnets, zipper closures, or elastic waistbands can make dressing easier.
• Encourage independence: If the person can dress independently, choose clothing with front-closure features, such as magnetic buttons or zippers. This will make the dressing process smoother.
• Consider adaptive pants: Look for pants with side openings, adjustable waistbands, and stretchy materials. These features provide ease of dressing and comfort for individuals with limited mobility.
• Practice dressing: Encourage the stroke patient to practice dressing independently. Provide guidance and demonstrate how to dress one-handed if necessary.
• Choose the right fabrics: Silky, slippery fabrics such as satin, silk, or nylon are easier to put on and take off. Knits are also a good choice as they don't wrinkle. Avoid rough, itchy materials and heavy or bulky fabrics.

Frequently asked questions