What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?
On average, someone in the United States dies of a stroke every 3 minutes and 11 seconds but less than 40% of adults can name the major stroke warning signs, according to the American Stroke Association.
What are the major stroke symptoms? Signs of a stroke tend to come on suddenly and can include:
● Numbness or weakness of the arms, legs, or face, especially on one side
● Confusion or trouble speaking
● Trouble seeing
● Trouble walking or dizziness
● Sudden, severe headache
Recognizing stroke symptoms right away is important because a few minutes can mean the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability.
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain stops or is reduced – often due to a clot in a blood vessel. When a large blood vessel is blocked, a person loses approximately 1.9 million neurons every minute.
“It is extremely important to identify signs and symptoms of stroke in order to get to the hospital for immediate evaluation and possible intervention,” said M Health Fairview Neurologist and Neurointensivist Benjamin Miller, MD Miller, MD. “Call 911 at the first sign and do not try and get there on your own. The ambulance crew may be able to call ahead and have the emergency room ready and waiting.”
Rapid treatment often depends on quick recognition that you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke. Fortunately, there is a simple acronym that can help you B.E. F.A.S.T. and identify a possible stroke. If you see any of these symptoms as a bystander, immediately call 911.
● Balance – Is the person suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination?
● Eyes – Is the person experiencing sudden blurred or double vision, or painless loss of vision in one or both eyes?
● Face – Look at the person’s face. Does one side droop?
● Arm – Ask the person to raise their arms. Is one side lower than the other?
● Speech – Is the person having trouble speaking clearly or communicating what is happening?
● Time – If you see any of these things, it’s time to call 911.
‘Mini strokes’ are a serious warning.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke for some people may come on and go away without intervention. It’s possible these are transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), sometimes called “mini strokes.” If you experience something you believe could be a TIA, go to the emergency department as soon as possible.
“People who experience a TIA are also at high risk of a permanent, disabling stroke in the next days or weeks,” said M Health Fairview Cerebrovascular Director, Christopher Streib, MD. “A TIA is an important warning sign. It allows us to start treatment that will lower the risk of stroke substantially before a person suffers irreversible disability.”
