What are the early Warning Signs of a Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency and should be treated right away—every second counts. A stroke is caused by a decrease or block in blood flow to the brain. When this occurs, certain areas of the brain do not get enough oxygen, and brain cells begin to die.
A stroke can lead to brain damage and can sometimes be life-threatening. However, if someone having a stroke gets medical treatment right away, he or she has better chances of surviving and recovering from the stroke. Being able to recognize the symptoms of a stroke is very important.
Types of strokes
There are two main types of strokes:
- Ischemic strokes. This is the most common type of stroke. These strokes happen when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is being blocked.
- Hemorrhagic strokes. These strokes result from bleeding in the brain due to a blood vessel leaking or bursting (rupturing).
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a “warning stroke” that causes stroke-like symptoms that go away quickly. Unlike a stroke, a TIA does not cause permanent damage to the brain. However, the symptoms of a TIA are the same as a stroke, and they also require medical treatment right away. Having a TIA is a sign that you are at higher risk for a permanent stroke.
Warning signs of a stroke
The symptoms of stroke may vary and will reflect the part of the brain that is involved. Symptoms usually happen suddenly. “ BE FAST” is an easy way to remember the main warning signs of a stroke.
B – Balance
Signs are dizziness, sudden trouble walking, or loss of balance.
E – Eyes
Signs are trouble seeing or a sudden change in vision.
F – Face
Signs are sudden weakness or numbness of the face, or the face or eyelid drooping on one side.
A – Arms
Signs are weakness or numbness in an arm. This happens suddenly and usually on one side of the body.
S – Speech
Signs are sudden trouble speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding what people say.
T – Time
Time to call emergency services. Write down what time symptoms started.
Other signs of a stroke
Some less common signs of a stroke include:
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Seizure.
A stroke may be happening even if only one “BE FAST”symptoms is present.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
- A stroke is a medical emergency and should be treated right away—every second counts.
- “BE FAST”is an easy way to remember the main warning signs of a stroke.
- Call local emergency services right away if you or someone else has any stroke symptoms, even if the symptoms go away.
- Make note of what time the first symptoms appeared. Emergency responders or emergency room staff will need to know this information.
- Do not wait to see if symptoms will go away. Call 911 even if only one of the “BE FAST”symptoms appears.
