The loss of blood flow to the brain damages tissues within the brain. Symptoms of a stroke show up in the body parts controlled by the damaged areas of the brain.
The sooner a person having a stroke gets care, the better their outcome is likely to be. For this reason, it’s helpful to know the signs of a stroke so you can act quickly. Stroke symptoms can include:
- paralysis
- numbness or weakness in the arm, face, and leg, especially on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
- trouble speaking or understanding others
- slurred speech
- confusion, disorientation, or lack of responsiveness
- sudden behavioural changes, especially increased agitation
- vision problems, such as trouble seeing in one or both eyes with vision blackened or blurred, or double vision
- trouble walking
- loss of balance or coordination
- dizziness
- severe, sudden headache with an unknown cause
- seizures
- nausea or vomiting
Remember what we`ve spoken about earlier this week, BE-FAST.
Balance: Are they having trouble with balance or coordination?
Eyes: Are they experiencing visual symptoms, like double vision or blurry vision? Face: Does one side of their face droop if they try to smile? Arms: Can they lift both arms or is one arm weak or numb? Speech: Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand? Time: If any of the above symptoms are present, time to call your local emergency service. |
What are the risk factors for stroke?
Certain risk factors make you more susceptible to stroke, including:
- an unbalanced diet high in salt, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol
- physical inactivity
- heavy alcohol use
- tobacco use
- a family history of stroke
- increasing age
Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk of stroke, including:
- a previous stroke or TIA
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- diabetes
- carrying too much excess weight
- heart disorders, such as coronary artery disease
- heart valve defects
- enlarged heart chambers and irregular heartbeats
- sickle cell disease
- diabetes
- blood clotting disorder
- patent foramen ovale (a hole in the heart that didn’t close the way it should after birth.)
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