The Stroke Symptoms: Fast Signs That Require Medical Attention

Dr.Madhukar Bhardwaj, 4 mins read

One in four adults is expected to experience a stroke during their lifetime, with nearly 12 million people experiencing a stroke worldwide each year. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, preventing brain cells from receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need. Without timely treatment, brain cells begin to die within minutes, which can lead to permanent brain damage and long-term disability.
Recognising stroke symptoms early and seeking immediate medical attention can save lives and reduce the risk of further complications.

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Stroke?

The early warning signs of stroke often appear suddenly; even if these early signs of stroke disappear after a few minutes, they should never be neglected. While stroke symptoms in men & women are similar, they can vary based on how severe it is. Recognising the signs and symptoms of stroke helps ensure proper treatment at the earliest.

Common stroke symptoms are

1. Sudden numbness or tingling in the face, arm, or leg
2. Weakness on one side of the body
3. Vision changes, such as blurred or double vision in one or both eyes 4. Trouble speaking or saying words clearly
5. Loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking
6. Severe headache

How to Recognise Stroke Quickly?

To identify stroke symptoms quickly and take immediate action. We have the FAST stroke test and BE-FAST, which are simple and highly effective tools to identify these symptoms.

1. B - Balance
Sudden loss of balance or coordination
2. E - Eyes
Sudden vision changes or loss of vision
3. F - Face
Face drooping on one side when smiling
4. A - Arms
Arm weakness or drift when raised
5. S - Speech
Slurred speech or difficulty repeating words
6. T - Time
Time to call emergency services immediately

Types of Stroke and Their Common Risk Factors

There are three main types of stroke, each with different causes but similar stroke symptoms

1. Ischaemic stroke: It happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
2. Haemorrhagic stroke: happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding within the brain.
3. Transient ischemic attack: also called mini strokes, produces temporary mini stroke symptoms that resolve within minutes to hours, but signal a high risk of a future full stroke.
   Key stroke risk factors affected by our lifestyle choices include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and an irregular heartbeat. Managing these risk factors by replacing them with healthier lifestyle options can significantly lower the chances of stroke.

Treatment of strokes

When stroke symptoms appear, every minute counts. It is estimated that up to 1.9 million neurons are lost every minute during an untreated stroke, making the situation even more critical.

The most effective stroke treatment is:

1. Thrombolysis: It is a clot-busting medication inserted via veins to dissolve a blood clot.
2. Mechanical Thrombectomy: is a procedure in which doctors use a thin tube and special devices to remove a blood clot from a blocked blood vessel in the brain, restoring blood flow.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Stroke?

If you notice stroke symptoms in yourself or someone else, act immediately by following these steps:
1. Perform the FAST stroke test or BE-FAST assessment.
2. Call emergency medical services without delay.
3. Note the exact time when symptoms first appeared.
4. Do not drive the person to the hospital; wait for an ambulance so treatment can begin during travel.
5. If the ambulance is late, leave immediately by car. Call ahead to the hospital informing the situation.
6. Never let the person with stroke symptoms drive themselves.
7. Keep the person calm and avoid giving food, drinks, or medication unless instructed by medical professionals.
8. If the person becomes unconscious but is still breathing, gently turn them onto their side.
9. If they stop breathing, stop the vehicle safely and begin CPR if you're trained, while calling emergency services again.
10. Never ignore mini-stroke symptoms, even if they disappear quickly, as they may indicate towards transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Conclusion

Stroke is a medical emergency, and recognising stroke symptoms early can make a big difference, a big help towards yourself and others. Acting quickly, seeking immediate medical care, and remembering the BEFAST assessment can improve recovery and help prevent long-term complications. When it comes to a stroke, every minute truly matters.
Get in touch with Aakash Healthcare if you think you’re at risk of suffering a stroke, and better understand how you can manage the risk of stroke and lead a better, safer and healthier life. We offer round-the-clock emergency services and the best neurological care in Dwarka.