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There are many early warning signs of a stroke, and recognition of these signs can save your life.
It's important to be aware of and realize stroke symptoms when they arise, so treatment can be sought as quickly as possible. A few minutes can mean the difference between life and death, or long-term disability.
Any of the following may be signs of a stroke:
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Numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on one or both sides of the body
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Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements
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Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
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Temporary dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
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Sudden severe headache or vomiting
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. What's done in the first minutes or hours after a stroke begins may determine the level of recovery you achieve, and emergency care may be required.
You may also experience a TIA (transient ischemic attack), sometimes called a "mini-stroke," which may only last several minutes. Do not dismiss this as a harmless episode - it is often a crucial warning sign that a major stroke could be coming. One third of all people with a TIA have a stroke within one year.
Most strokes are caused by the sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. They occur when an artery bursts or becomes blocked by a blood clot, cutting off the vital supply of oxygen. Brain tissue, deprived of oxygen, can die within minutes. Consequently, functions normally controlled by these damaged brain areas become impaired or destroyed.
Depending on the area in which the damage occurs, stroke symptoms can affect the senses, speech, behavior, thought patterns and memory. It may cause paralysis, coma or even death.
What is a "TIA?" A TIA (transient ischemic attack), sometimes called a "mini-stroke," is a sudden, but temporary, interruption in the blood supply to the brain. TIA stroke symptoms are the same as those indicating a full-fledged stroke. The difference is that TIA symptoms are temporary and typically last several minutes.
TIA is a serious warning sign of stroke - occurring days, weeks or even months before a major stroke.
According to research, less than half of the people suffering TIAs seek treatment within 24 hours of the symptoms. Part of the reason so many people with TIAs do not seek medical attention is that the symptoms are often vague and confusing. Because they are temporary, people tend to brush them off and go on with their lives.
Do not ignore a stroke warning sign. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you think you may be experiencing signs of a stroke. |
