What is Stroke?
A stroke, medically known as a
cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when the blood supply to part of the
brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and
nutrients. This interruption in blood flow can be caused by a blockage in an
artery (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).
What are the signs of
stroke?
1. Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of
the body: This may affect the face, arm, or leg and is often
one of the most noticeable symptoms.
2. Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking: Stroke can cause sudden difficulty in finding the
right words, slurred speech, or trouble understanding speech.
3. Sudden trouble seeing: Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision, or sudden loss of
vision in one or both eyes, can occur during a stroke.
4. Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance: Stroke can lead to sudden dizziness, loss of
coordination, or difficulty walking straight.
5. Sudden severe headache: A sudden, intense headache with no known cause can be a sign of a stroke,
particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Important Note
It's important to note
that these symptoms often come on suddenly and without warning. If you or
someone else experiences any of these signs, it's crucial to seek immediate
medical attention. Remember the acronym F.A.S.T:
·
F: Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face
droop?
·
A: Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm
drift downward?
·
S: Speech
difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech
slurred or strange?
· T: Time to call emergency services: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately and note the time when symptoms first appeared. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome of a stroke.
Finally, we wish everyone safety. Follow us for other medical information