If you see someone having a stroke, you know you have to get them to a Brooklyn medical center as soon as possible. Can you recognize a stroke, though? Here’s what you should know.
What Causes a Stroke?
Strokes happen when blood is unable to reach a part of the brain. The area of the brain that is affected does impact the symptoms that a person shows. For example, someone who has a blood clot in the area that controls sight may suddenly lose their vision. Someone who has the blood supply cut off to the area of the brain that affects motor function may suddenly be unable to move or could have a change in sensation.
Strokes can be of varying severities. Mild strokes might result in temporary weakness, for instance, while severe strokes could leave people permanently disabled.
While some people do fully recover from a stroke, two-thirds of survivors or more are left with disabilities of some kind.
What Is a Mini Stroke?
A mini stroke, which is more formally known as a transient ischemic attack, may result in stroke-like symptoms that then go away on their own.
Can You Die from a Stroke?
Yes, you can. In fact, this is one of the top killers in the United States. As many as 20% of those who suffer from a stroke die within the following year.
What Is FAST, and Why Is It Important?
FAST is an acronym that stands for:
- Face drooping: You may notice that the person’s face is drooping on one side from a lack of muscle control. Their face may also be numb.
- Arm weakness: If the individual cannot lift both arms or if one side is drifting downward, this can be a sign of a stroke.
- Speech difficulty: Slurred speech is the most common speech difficulty with a stroke, as is being unable to speak at all or making incomprehensible words. If the person isn’t speaking normally or can’t repeat a simple sentence, then you need to call 911.
- Time to call 911: When you see the signs of a stroke, call 911 right away. Even if the attack seems to end, you should call and make sure that they are seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Using this to remember the steps of how to handle a stroke when you see it will get the person suffering from a stroke help quickly.
Moving quickly to get someone help is essential when they’re having a stroke, because every second counts when the brain is not receiving oxygen. Getting the person immediate treatment at a Brooklyn medical center will help minimize the long-term consequences of a stroke and helps reduce the chance of death.
