Fight Back: Stroke Recovery And Resilience

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. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and taking swift action is crucial to prevent permanent damage or death. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call an ambulance immediately and use the acronym FAST to identify the signs: Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. During the wait for emergency services, keep the person calm, lying on their side, and loosen any tight clothing. Do not give them food, drink, or medication. After a stroke, rehabilitation is essential, and it may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Recognise the signs of a stroke and call emergency services

Recognising the signs of a stroke is crucial, as it can help save a life and prevent long-term disability. Here are the key signs to look out for:

Face Drooping

Ask the person to smile and check if one side of their face droops or appears numb. This is a common sign of muscle weakness or paralysis that often occurs on just one side of the body.

Arm Weakness

Instruct the person to raise both arms. Observe if one arm drifts or drops downward, indicating weakness or numbness in that arm. Again, this often affects only one side of the body.

Speech Difficulty

Listen for slurred or strange speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase to assess their speech clarity and coherence. Stroke victims often experience difficulty speaking or choosing the right words.

Time to Call Emergency Services

If you observe any of the above signs, it's time to act. Call the emergency services immediately. Note the time when any of these symptoms first appear, as this information is crucial for healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment. Don't delay, as every minute counts in reducing potential brain damage and improving the chances of survival.

Other Stroke Symptoms

While the F.A.S.T. acronym covers the most common and critical signs, other stroke symptoms include:

• Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or trouble understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes (blurred, blackened, or double vision)
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Severe headache with no apparent cause, possibly accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, or altered consciousness
• General weakness or fatigue
• Memory issues
• Falls with no clear cause

Remember, stroke symptoms typically come on suddenly, and early treatment significantly improves outcomes. Don't wait to see if the symptoms pass, as quick action can make all the difference in the fight against stroke.

Encourage the person to lie down on their side with their head elevated

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly. Strokes are a life-threatening medical emergency and can lead to permanent disability or death. Therefore, your first step should be to call an ambulance by dialling 911 or your local emergency number. While waiting for professional help to arrive, there are some steps you can take to help the person experiencing a stroke:

Now, encouraging the person to lie down on their side with their head elevated is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, this position promotes blood flow to the brain, which is vital as strokes occur when there is an interruption to the blood supply to the brain. By improving blood flow, you can potentially reduce the damaging effects of the stroke and increase the chances of recovery without disability. Additionally, this position helps to ensure the person's comfort and safety. If they have fallen, do not move them, but make sure they are lying on their side. Loosen any restrictive clothing, such as tight collars or scarves, to prevent further discomfort.

If the person is conscious, gently assist them into this position, using a pillow or a folded item of clothing to support and elevate their head and shoulders. This position will also help keep their airway clear, which is essential for breathing. If there are any objects or substances, such as vomit, in the person's mouth that may obstruct their breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position. You can do this by following these steps:

• Take the arm that is farthest away from you and place it at a right angle to their body.
• Place the other arm across their chest.
• Keep the leg farthest away from you straight, while bending the other knee.
• Support their head and neck and gently roll them onto their side so that their bottom leg remains straight and their top leg is bent at the knee, with the knee touching the ground.
• Tilt their head slightly forward and down to allow any vomit to drain out.
• Manually clear the person's mouth if necessary.

While you wait for the ambulance to arrive, continue to monitor the person's condition. Keep them warm with a blanket or coat if they feel cold. Reassure them that help is on the way, and try to keep them calm. Do not give them any food or liquids, as they may have difficulty swallowing, which could lead to choking.

Remember, time is critical when someone is having a stroke. By encouraging the person to lie on their side with their head elevated, you are not only promoting blood flow to the brain but also ensuring their comfort and safety during this frightening experience.

Keep track of symptoms and any medications they're taking

When caring for a loved one who has had a stroke, it is important to keep track of their symptoms and any medications they are taking. This will help you identify and handle common issues as you care for them. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Be aware of their medications and their side effects: Knowing what medications your loved one is taking and what the potential side effects are is crucial. This knowledge will enable you to monitor their health and well-being effectively. Ask their doctor, nurse, or therapist about any medications prescribed and what to expect.
• Understand the risks of another stroke: Survivors of a stroke are at high risk of experiencing another one. It is important to reduce these risks by ensuring your loved one adheres to a healthy diet, engages in appropriate exercise, takes their medications as prescribed, and regularly visits their healthcare provider.
• Monitor their recovery progress: The rate of improvement will influence the amount of acute rehabilitation therapy they receive. Survivors in acute rehabilitation are expected to make measurable functional gains, including improvements in daily living, mobility, and communication skills. Keep track of these changes and be prepared to adapt to their evolving needs.
• Be vigilant about falls: Falls are common after a stroke. If your loved one experiences a serious fall that results in severe pain, bruising, or bleeding, take them to the emergency room. Even minor falls should not be ignored. If they have minor falls more than twice within six months, consult a physician or physical therapist for treatment.
• Observe changes in their attitude and behaviour: A stroke can impact a person's emotional regulation. Evaluate if your loved one is struggling to control their emotions and consult a healthcare provider to develop an appropriate plan of action. Post-stroke depression is common, affecting 30-50% of survivors, and can hinder their recovery and rehabilitation.
• Keep a record of their symptoms: This is crucial, especially when seeking emergency medical care. Be prepared to provide detailed information about their symptoms, when they started, and any changes or developments. This information will be invaluable to emergency operators and medical professionals.

Perform CPR if the person becomes unconscious

If the person becomes unconscious, it is vital to act quickly and perform CPR. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

First, check the scene for safety and ensure there are no imminent dangers to yourself or the person. If the person is unresponsive, perform a quick check for breathing, life-threatening bleeding, or other critical conditions. Shout and tap the person to assess their responsiveness. If they are not breathing or only gasping for air, call 911 immediately and inform them that you are starting CPR.

Next, kneel beside the person and place them on their back on a firm, flat surface. Position yourself at their side and place your hands, one on top of the other, in the centre of their chest. Keep your shoulders directly over your hands and elbows locked.

Now, begin chest compressions. Push hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches with a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Remember to allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression. Aim for 30 compressions at a time.

After the initial set of compressions, open the person's airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique. Tilt their head slightly back while lifting their chin to ensure the airway is open. Then, pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and create a complete seal over their mouth with your mouth.

Give two rescue breaths, ensuring each breath lasts about one second and causes the chest to rise. If the chest does not rise, retilt the head and check for a proper seal. If there is still no rise, an object may be blocking the airway.

Continue alternating between 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it to check the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary. Minimise interruptions to chest compressions, keeping them to less than 10 seconds.

Remember, CPR is a critical step in helping someone who is unconscious and not breathing. It can be challenging to perform correctly, even with training. If you are unsure, follow the instructions given by the 911 operator over the phone until emergency services arrive.

Stay calm and communicate with the emergency operator

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, it is important to stay calm and call the emergency services. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this effectively:

Firstly, recognise the signs of a stroke. Use the acronym FAST to help you remember:

• Face: Has the person's face changed? Is their mouth drooping on one side? Is their smile lopsided?
• Arms: Can they raise both arms? Will their arms drift down if raised?
• Speech: Can the person repeat a simple sentence? Is their speech slurred?
• Time: If the answer to any of these is yes, it is time to call the emergency services.

If someone is having a stroke, it is crucial to act quickly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. If you cannot make the call yourself, ask someone else to do it. While you wait for the emergency services to arrive, there are several things you can do to help the person:

• Ensure the surrounding area is safe and that there is no imminent danger to the person, such as from moving vehicles.
• Talk to the person. Ask them their name and other questions. If they cannot speak, ask them to squeeze your hand in response.
• If the person is conscious, gently place them in a comfortable position, ideally lying on their side with their head and shoulders slightly raised. Loosen any tight clothing, and keep them warm with a blanket or coat if they are cold.
• Check that their airway is clear. If necessary, place the person on their side in the recovery position.
• Reassure the person that help is on the way.

While performing these actions, it is essential to stay calm and communicate clearly with the emergency operator. Here are some tips to help you stay calm during an emergency:

• Take deep breaths. Focusing on your breath will help reduce anxiety and allow you to think more clearly.
• Think of something positive or uplifting. You could say a prayer, think of your favourite vacation spot, or visualise a red stop sign to stop negative thoughts.
• Evaluate your surroundings. Be aware of what is going on around you and try to find things that can help the person or get them to safety.
• Develop a plan to get to safety if necessary. Follow any safety advice from others, and use common sense and good judgment.
• Give yourself positive encouragement. Tell yourself that you will make it through this situation.

Remember that staying calm is crucial to effectively helping the person experiencing a stroke. Communicate all relevant information to the emergency operator, including the person's symptoms, any changes in their condition, and the time that the symptoms started.

Frequently asked questions