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Signs and Symptoms: Stroke
A stroke is a cardiovascular event that cuts off the blood flow to the brain. As with heart attacks, many people who experience a stroke do not seek medical treatment quickly enough.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death for Canadians. Each year 40 000 to 50 000 Canadians will experience a stroke. As with heart attacks, many people who experience a stroke do not seek medical treatment quickly enough.
Only 20% to 25% of people who have a stroke get medical care within three hours of any initial signs. This is too long. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of major physical and mental damage.
Signs and Symptoms of a stroke:
- Symptoms may occur alone or in combination and can last a few seconds or up to 24 hrs.
Sudden on-set of:
- weakness, numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
- loss of vision in one or both eyes
- severe headache, and loss of balance
- Individuals may also temporarily have trouble speaking or understanding someone.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a cardiovascular event that cuts off the blood flow to the brain. The brain needs oxygen and nutrient rich blood to survive. The longer the brain goes without blood flow, the greater the risk of brain damage or death. A stroke can occur in two ways:
Ischemic Stroke
- A blood clot blocks the supply of blood to the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
- A blood vessel breaks causing bleeding in the brain.
Act F.A.S.T
If you think you, or someone around you, may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:
FACE - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face drop?
ARMS - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
TIME - If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.
Call 911- get to the hospital immediately
Adapted from: National Stroke Association (n.d.) Stroke symptoms. Retrieved on January 25, 2008 from http://www.stroke.org/site/pageserver?/pagename=symp.
Key References:
Heart and Stroke Foundation. (2008). Stroke warning signs. Retrieved January 4, 2008 from http://www.heartand stroke.com/sit/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/ b.3483937/k.8989/ Warning_Signs.htm.
Heart and Stroke Foundation. (2008). Heart attack warning signals. Retrieved January 4, 2008 from http://ww2. heartandstroke.ca/Page.asp?PageID=1975&Article ID =5288&Src=heart&From=SubCategory.
MayoClinic.com. (2007). Heart attack symptoms: Know what signals a medical emergency. Retrieved January 4, 2008 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/ print/heart-attack-symptoms/HB00054/METHOD=print.
