Understanding The Signs Of Having A Stroke

When you witness someone showing the signs of having a stroke, it’s essential to act fast to get them medical attention.

This is one blog in VSPC LAW’s series on understanding strokes. Read on to learn more about the signs of having a stroke and common stroke causes Main causes and risk factors of stroke

What Is A Stroke?

A stroke happens when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted or reduced. When this happens, brain tissue cannot get the necessary oxygen and nutrients. Strokes can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, and even death.

Different Types Of Strokes

At the first signs of having a stroke, getting the person having a stroke in to see a doctor is crucial. Once there, they may diagnose your stroke as one of the following types:

1. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It occurs when the brain’s blood vessels become narrowed or blocked—the blockage results in reduced blood flow (“ischemia”) to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or ruptures. The blood continues to increase and ultimately compresses the surrounding brain tissue. Hemorrhagic strokes occur either within the brain (intracerebral) or in the space between your brain and the surrounding membrane (subarachnoid).
3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is sometimes referred to as a mini-stroke. TIA occurs when there is blocked blood flow to the brain for a short time. TIAs present with the same warning signs as an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, so it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention if those warning signs are present. Also, if someone has a TIA, that increases the likelihood of having a stroke in the future.

How Can You Prevent Serious Injury From Stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency, so prompt action is necessary to prevent permanent injury. Early, timely treatment can reduce brain damage and other complications. Knowing the warning signs of strokes, as well as the common causes of strokes, increases your chances of getting early treatment and warding off serious injury.

What Are The Signs Of Having A Stroke?

It’s essential to understand the warning signs of stroke so you can act quickly. The following acronym is helpful for quick reference:

F = Face droop. Ask the person to smile. If one side droops, the person could be having a stroke.
A = Arm weakness. If the person cannot raise both arms to the same height, that could be a sign of stroke.
S = Speech difficulty. Can the person repeat a simple sentence? If any of the words are slurred or hard to understand, they could be experiencing a stroke.
T = Time to call 9-1-1. If any of the above signs are present, it’s time to call an ambulance. The person can receive timely medical assistance on the way to the hospital.
See this fact sheet for further information on the warning signs of stroke.

If you believe a loved one has suffered a stroke resulting from a health care provider’s actions or inactions, contact VSCP LAW at vscplaw.com.