Signs of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when a part of the brain is deprived of oxygen. This commonly occurs when a blood clot gets caught in a blood vessel, or when a blood vessel ruptures, known as an aneurysm. In both situation brain cells begin to die.

Signs of a stroke may include:

1. Numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs, usually on one side of the body.
2. Difficulty in speaking due to the numbness of one side of the tongue.
3. Sight difficulty as well as balance problems.
4. A severe headache.
5. Confusion.

A simple way to check if you suspect a stroke is to have the patient, smile, lift both arms and speak a simple sentence, such as where do you live? Consider using the acronym FAST.

F – Face
A – Arms
S – Speech
T – Time

If they have any problems with these items, especially if they occur on one side of the body, call 9-1-1 immediately.

This is a true medical emergency and time is a major factor. Doctors in the emergency rooms have medications that can have a dramatic effect and help in a patient’s recovery.  Never give aspirin to a possible stroke victim.  Aspirin thins blood, though may be good to help with a heart attack, thinning the blood with a victim of a hemorrhagic stroke, could lead to death.