Signs of a Stroke

We have all heard of strokes, and may even know someone who has suffered from one. But do you know how to recognize the sypmtoms?

Cerebral Vascular Accident (C.V.A. / Stroke)

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is either blocked or reduced. The two main causes for a stroke are a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or by a leaking or burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Approximately 85% of all strokes are ischemic strokes.

The most common ischemic strokes are the Thrombotic Stroke and the Embolic Stroke.

A Thrombotic stroke occurs when a clot (usually fatty deposits) develops in one of the arteries that lead to the brain thereby reducing the blood flow to the brain.

An Embolic Stroke occurs when a clot or other debris develops away from the brain (usually in the heart), breaks away and then lodges in one of the smaller brain blood vessels.

The Hemorrhagic Stroke occurs when a blood vessel either leaks or ruptures. There are many reasons why there are brain hemorrhages, but the main reasons are either uncontrolled high blood pressure or aneurisms.

Some of the signs that someone is suffering a stroke are:

• Only one side of the body is affected (numbing, tingling, immobility)
• A person may hear what is being said but is unable to respond
• Unequal pupils
• Facial Droop
• Drooling
• Slurred/Incoherent speech
• Severe headache
• Disruption of motor skills (diminished coordination, dizziness, etc)

If you encounter these symptoms:

• Position the person with the affected side down
• Protect and maintain an open airway
• Guard against vomiting
• Keep calm
• Seek medical attention immediately!

You do not have the time to question as to whether someone is suffering from a stroke or not. Any delay in medical treatment may be fatal. It is better to act and be wrong than not act and be wrong. Your safety and the safety of your family is all that matters.