A stroke is a life-threatening condition that demands immediate medical attention.
A stroke usually occurs when a blood clot forms inside the vessels supplying the brain. Consequently, this means the brain isn’t receiving adequate amounts of blood. Hence, it can potentially lead to death. For this reason, being aware of the warning signs of a stroke, ahead of time, is important. At the same, physicians recommend becoming familiar with the FAST test. And we’re discussing all of these for you below.
From numbness and blurred vision to sudden confusion- here are the top indicating signs that you are suffering from a stroke.
What is the FAST test and how can it help?
One of the easiest ways to remember the signs of stroke is through the FAST test. This allows you to immediately recall the most recognizable signs of stroke within seconds.
F- The F represents face drooping. In most stroke patients, their face droops to one side. This has to do with numbness on one side of the face. Coincidently, it is clearly visible on smiling. Hence, when a patient smiles and their smile deviates or droops to one side, it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
A- The A represents arm weakness. One of the commonest signs of stroke is difficulty in raising both arms. Stroke patients usually complain that they aren’t able to raise both of their arms. In addition, patients also state that one arm feels weaker than the other. Consequently, one arm drifts in a downward manner.
S- The S represents speech difficulty. Other leading signs of stroke include slurred speech. Here, patients have trouble with their general way of speaking. Whatever they say isn’t comprehendible. Consequently, to test for speech, doctors often ask stroke patients to repeat simple sentences. Hence, they note any speech disturbances to assist with their diagnosis.
T- The t represents the time to make an emergency call for help. Any of the warning signs of stroke are dangerous and hence demand a proper medical investigation.
Why is timing so important in stroke?
Stroke is a medical emergency that demands immediate attention. During a stroke, even a delay of minutes can affect the patient’s chances to recover. For this reason, ambulances are called immediately for medical assistance.
Many physicians give stroke patients clot-busting drugs like Aspirin. These help to dissolve any clots present in the vessels of the brain. At the same time, these medicines reduce the chances of death and disability while increasing recovery.
Other indicating signs of stroke that demand an investigation
The above-mentioned signs are clear indicators of stroke. At the same time, there are a number of other signs that patients should be aware of. Hence, they include the following:
- Weakness in certain parts of the body. This includes the face, the legs, the arms, and usually, correlates to one side
- Feelings of dizziness are also common. Stroke patients feel a sudden urge of disorientation and dizziness.
- Blurred vision is also commonly seen.
ADVERTISEMENT Some people complain of disturbances in seeing through one or both eyes.
- Difficulty in balancing. Stroke patients lose their balancing or coordination abilities.
- Severe headaches. During a stroke, it’s not uncommon to have a bad headache for no apparent reason.
ADVERTISEMENT - Sudden onset of confusion. Many stroke patients complain of difficulty in understanding. These people appear confused and lost.
- Difficulty speaking. On many occasions, stroke patients cannot speak normally. They will hesitate and become anxious about their speech.
ADVERTISEMENT
It wouldn’t be wrong to term stroke as one of the leading causes of death in the world. It is a serious medical condition that can occur at any moment in time.
For this reason, it is so important to spread awareness about the warning signs of a stroke. This way, many people can act within time and save countless lives along the way.