Stroke Symptoms: Decussation And Vision Impairment

Strokes are a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough blood flow, usually due to blocked arteries or bleeding in the brain. Silent strokes, a type of stroke with subtle or no symptoms, can be challenging to identify and are often detected during brain scans for other conditions. While they may not exhibit the typical stroke symptoms such as slurred speech, numbness, or loss of movement, silent strokes can still cause significant brain damage and increase the risk of future major strokes. To identify a stroke, the BE FAST or F.A.S.T. acronyms are useful, encompassing balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, and time to call for help.

Face Drooping

Facial drooping is a common symptom of a stroke, affecting 45-60% of cases. It occurs when the facial muscles are not working properly, resulting in a loss of symmetry in the face. This can affect one or both sides of the face, with the eyelids, cheeks, or corners of the mouth appearing pulled down. The person may also experience difficulty smiling voluntarily or speaking clearly.

Facial drooping is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is important to distinguish whether the cause is a stroke or another condition, such as Bell's palsy, as the treatment for these conditions differs significantly. To identify a stroke, remember the acronym BE FAST:

• Balance: Watch out for a sudden loss of balance.
• Eyes: Look for any vision loss or double vision.
• Face: Check for drooping on one side of the face or an uneven smile.
• Arms: Test for weakness on one side of the body by asking the person to raise both arms.
• Speech: Listen for slurred speech or inability to speak normally.
• Time: If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 immediately.

In addition to facial drooping, other signs of a stroke include numbness or weakness on one side of the body or face, sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech, trouble walking, severe headache, and memory problems.

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, it is crucial to act quickly. Call for emergency medical services immediately and monitor the person's breathing while waiting for help to arrive. Do not eat or drink anything and try to keep the person warm. If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

Arm Weakness

A stroke occurs when there is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain, which can be due to a blocked artery or bleeding in the brain. This interruption in blood flow causes brain cells in the affected area to be deprived of oxygen, leading to their death. As a result, the abilities controlled by that area of the brain may be lost.

The effects of a stroke can vary, and arm weakness is one of the possible physical consequences. The arm muscles may feel tight or weak, and the shoulder joint may be particularly affected, leading to a partial dislocation. This can cause pain and a reduced range of motion. Additionally, some muscles may become permanently shortened, a condition known as contracture.

Proper arm care after a stroke is crucial to prevent and address these issues. This includes techniques such as correct positioning, using devices like slings or braces, and preventing further injury. Rehabilitation and physical therapy play a vital role in helping individuals regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in their affected arms.

Speech Difficulty

• Slurred speech or garbled speech (dysarthria)
• Inability to speak or slurred speech
• Trouble choosing the right words or jumbled speech
• Difficulty verbalizing thoughts or understanding others (aphasia)

Aphasia, specifically, is a language disorder caused by strokes that affect the left side of the brain, which controls speech and language. It impairs one's ability to communicate, including speaking, reading, and writing. However, aphasia does not affect intelligence, and stroke survivors remain mentally alert.

Dysarthria, on the other hand, is caused by weakness or incoordination of the muscles involved in speech production. This can lead to slurred or mumbled speech, speaking too loudly or quietly, or at an abnormal pace.

If you or someone you know is experiencing speech difficulty, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Do not ignore these warning signs, as early treatment improves the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of long-term effects or death.

Time to call emergency services

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency, and immediate action is required to prevent permanent damage or death. If you or someone near you is showing signs of a stroke, it is important to act fast and call the emergency services. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do when you suspect someone is having a stroke:

Recognise the Signs:

Use the acronym BE FAST or F.A.S.T. to spot the signs of a stroke:

• Balance: Watch for a sudden loss of balance.
• Eyes: Look for a sudden loss of vision or double vision in one or both eyes.
• Face: Ask the person to smile and check for a droop on one or both sides of the face, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms; if one arm is weak, it may drift downward.
• Speech: Listen for slurred speech or difficulty speaking.
• Time: Act quickly and note the time when symptoms first appear.

Call Emergency Services:

• Dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Don't delay, as time is critical in treating a stroke.
• Provide the address or location, especially if you are in a public place.
• Inform the operator that you suspect a stroke and describe the symptoms you are observing.
• Note the time the person started experiencing stroke symptoms.
• Provide the person's name, age, and a brief description if possible.
• If asked, share whether the person is conscious or breathing.
• Give your name and phone number if requested.

Pre-Arrival Instructions:

If possible, follow any pre-arrival instructions provided by the emergency services operator. This may include:

• Unlocking the door and moving pets out of the way.
• Determining the time the stroke symptoms began and the current medications the person is taking.
• Having a family member or decision-maker present to accompany the patient to the hospital.

Act Quickly:

Remember that time lost is brain lost. Even if you are unsure, it is better to call the emergency services. First responders and medical professionals would rather respond to a false alarm than risk someone's life or long-term disability.

Numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg

Experiencing numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg is a warning sign of a stroke. This is often accompanied by vision problems, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and a sudden, severe headache. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to call emergency services immediately.

A stroke occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain, which can be due to blocked or burst blood vessels. This interruption in blood flow can cause brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen, leading to permanent brain damage or even death if not treated promptly.

The numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg is a result of the interruption in blood flow to the brain, specifically the area of the brain that controls movement and sensation in those body parts. This is often referred to as "one-sided weakness" or "paralysis".

To identify if someone is experiencing these symptoms, you can ask them to smile and look for a droop on one side of the face. You can also ask them to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward. These simple tests can help identify if the person is experiencing numbness or weakness and needs immediate medical attention.

In addition to the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) warning signs, other stroke symptoms include confusion, trouble seeing, walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and a severe headache with no known cause. It is important to be aware of these signs and act quickly to improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of permanent disability or death.

Frequently asked questions