Why You Should Never Ignore Stroke Symptoms

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when there is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain, resulting in brain cells dying due to oxygen deprivation. The faster a person receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery without disability. Therefore, it is crucial to call emergency services and seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know is exhibiting stroke symptoms. Driving to the hospital or delaying treatment can have severe consequences and increase the risk of permanent brain damage or death.

Call emergency services immediately if you suspect a stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when there is an interruption in blood flow to the brain, either due to blocked blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. Calling emergency services is crucial when stroke symptoms are suspected, as prompt treatment can significantly impact the outcome. Here are several reasons why it is essential to call emergency services immediately if you suspect a stroke:

Time Is Critical in Treating a Stroke

When a person experiences a stroke, the brain is deprived of oxygen-rich blood, leading to the death of brain cells. The longer the brain is deprived of oxygen, the greater the risk of permanent brain damage or death. Calling emergency services immediately ensures that the person receives medical attention as soon as possible, increasing the chances of a full recovery without disabilities.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Initiate Treatment

When you call emergency services, you are not just arranging transportation to the hospital. The EMS team brings the hospital to you. They are trained to provide life-saving treatment at the scene and during the journey to the hospital. They can also alert the hospital staff in advance, providing valuable information about the patient's condition, allowing the medical team to prepare for immediate treatment upon arrival.

Stroke Patients Require Specialised Care

Stroke patients often need to be taken to specialised stroke centres equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to handle stroke cases effectively. The EMS team will ensure that the patient is taken to the right facility, where they can receive the quickest diagnosis and treatment. This coordination can significantly impact the patient's outcome.

Certain Treatments Have Time Constraints

Some treatments for stroke have specific time constraints to be effective. For example, if a patient arrives at the hospital within three hours of the first symptoms of an ischemic stroke, they may be eligible for thrombolytic therapy, which involves administering clot-busting drugs to dissolve blood clots. This treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery and reduces the likelihood of long-term disability.

Recognising the Signs of a Stroke

It is essential to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of a stroke to know when to call for emergency services. Remember the acronym BE FAST:

• Balance: Watch for a sudden loss of balance.
• Eyes: Look for sudden loss of vision or double vision.
• Face: Ask the person to smile and observe for facial asymmetry or drooping on one side.
• Arms: Check for muscle weakness by asking the person to raise both arms; one arm sagging indicates weakness.
• Speech: Strokes often cause difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Time: Act Fast! Time is critical in stroke treatment.

In conclusion, calling emergency services immediately if you suspect a stroke is of utmost importance. The faster a person receives medical attention, the better their chances of recovery and minimising long-term disabilities. Don't hesitate to seek help if you observe any of the signs or symptoms outlined above.

Do not drive to the hospital yourself

If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, it is imperative that you do not drive to the hospital yourself. A stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention, and driving yourself could worsen your symptoms.

Strokes occur when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain, often due to blocked or burst blood vessels. This interruption in blood flow causes brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen, which can lead to permanent brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Every second counts when you're having a stroke, so it's crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible.

The recommended course of action is to call an ambulance (911 in the US) or your local emergency services number. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff are trained to provide life-saving treatment while on the way to the hospital, improving your chances of recovery. They can also communicate with the hospital staff so they are prepared to administer treatment as soon as you arrive, saving precious time that could mean the difference between independent living and permanent disabilities.

Additionally, stroke patients who arrive at the hospital in an ambulance may receive faster diagnosis and treatment. This is because emergency workers may take them directly to a specialised stroke centre equipped to provide swift and specialised care.

Remember, if you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of a stroke, do not drive to the hospital yourself. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately.

Recognising the signs of a stroke

• B alance: Watch out for a sudden loss of balance.
• E yes: Look for a sudden loss of vision, either partial or total, in one or both eyes. Double vision may also occur.
• F ace: Ask the person to smile and observe if one side of their face droops, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis.
• A rms: Check for muscle weakness by asking the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward, it suggests weakness on one side.
• S peech: Strokes often cause speech difficulties, such as slurred speech or trouble finding the right words.
• T ime: Time is critical. If you observe any of the above signs, immediately call the emergency services and note the time when the symptoms first appeared. This information is vital for healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment.

Other signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

• Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
• Confusion, disorientation, or trouble understanding speech.
• Severe headache with no known cause.
• Loss of coordination or clumsiness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Emotional instability and personality changes.
• Memory loss.
• Passing out or fainting.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention. Do not delay, as prompt treatment is crucial for improving survival rates and reducing the risk of long-term disability.

Treatment options for stroke

Treatment options for a stroke depend on the type of stroke, the location and severity of the bleeding, and how quickly the patient receives treatment. The two main types of strokes are ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic Stroke Treatment

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 80% of all strokes. They occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked, often by a blood clot. Treatment for ischemic strokes focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible. This can be done through medication or medical procedures.

Medication

The primary treatment for ischemic strokes is a thrombolytic drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which breaks up blood clots. tPA must be administered within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms, and in some cases can be given up to 4.5 hours after. Alteplase (Activase) is the only FDA-approved tPA for stroke treatment, but tenecteplase (TNKase) is also used due to its success in clinical trials and cost-effectiveness. If a patient cannot receive tPA, they may be given an anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication such as aspirin or clopidogrel to prevent clots from forming or growing larger.

Medical Procedures

If medication is not effective in breaking up the blood clot, a procedure called a thrombectomy may be performed. During a thrombectomy, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the location of the clot. The clot is then removed manually, either by a corkscrew-like device attached to the catheter or by using clot-busting agents administered through the catheter. Thrombectomies must be performed within 24 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.

Another procedure used to treat ischemic strokes is angioplasty and stenting. This involves inserting a thin tube with a small mesh tube into the blocked artery and gently expanding the mesh tube to clear space for blood flow.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain. Treatment for hemorrhagic strokes focuses on stopping the bleeding and reducing blood pressure to prevent further bleeding.

Medication

Unlike ischemic strokes, treatment for hemorrhagic strokes does not involve blood thinners as this would worsen the bleeding. Instead, medications such as antihypertensives are used to lower blood pressure and reduce bleeding. If the patient is already taking blood thinners, they may be given drugs to counteract their effects. Other medications that may be used include vitamin K to help stop bleeding in the brain, and antiepileptics if the stroke leads to seizures.

Medical Procedures

There are several procedures that may be used to treat hemorrhagic strokes. Endovascular repair, or coiling, is a minimally invasive procedure where a thin wire and catheter are threaded into the aneurysm and a coil of soft platinum wire is released to form a net and prevent further bleeding. Aneurysm clipping involves installing a permanent clamp to prevent the aneurysm from bleeding further or bursting. Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgery is used to remove or shrink a tangle of blood vessels that can burst. Decompressive craniectomy involves temporarily removing part of the skull to relieve pressure caused by swelling.

Supportive Treatments

In addition to emergency treatments, patients may require supportive treatments while in the hospital to aid in their recovery. These may include a feeding tube, IV fluids, supplemental oxygen, nutritional supplements, and compression stockings to prevent blood clots.

Preventative Treatments

After emergency procedures, doctors will work to prevent another stroke from occurring. This may involve lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, and taking medications such as aspirin.

Preventing another stroke

If you've had a stroke, you are at a high risk of having another one. In fact, 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another stroke within 5 years. However, there are many things you can do to reduce this risk.

Medication

It is important to take any medication that has been prescribed to you by your doctor. This may include blood thinners or drugs to reduce your blood pressure. Do not change or stop your medication without consulting your doctor.

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle choices can also reduce your risk of having another stroke. This includes eating a healthy diet, being physically active, getting healthy sleep, and quitting smoking and vaping. Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables has been shown to lower your risk of stroke.

Treatment Plan

You should work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that addresses your wishes, goals, concerns, and circumstances. This might include rehabilitation to help you regain your independence and prevent another stroke.

Frequently asked questions