In the United States, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death. It is also a major contributor to disability among adults.
Strokes can affect individuals of any age, but they pose a particular risk to women. The American Stroke Association reports that stroke is the third leading cause of death for women, impacting one in five.
Strokes, often referred to as brain attacks, fall into two main categories. The first is an ischemic stroke, which happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked. The second type, a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, which can be due to an aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation, a tangle of blood vessels.
Certain areas of the brain can be harmed or even perish in both scenarios. A stroke can lead to death, lasting disabilities, or irreversible brain injury.
Recognizing the warning signs is essential, but taking immediate action and calling 911 is even more important.
5 signs of a stroke
By understanding the signs of a stroke, you can quickly identify the situation and get help. Time is critical in minimizing brain damage. The five signs of a stroke, which typically appear suddenly, are outlined below by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Numbness or weakness: A sudden feeling of numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body.
- Confusion: Experiencing sudden confusion or difficulty in speaking or understanding what others are saying.
- Vision problems: This may affect one eye or both.
- Walking difficulties: This can manifest as sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or poor coordination.
- Intense headache: A sudden, severe headache that appears without any obvious reason.
- If you or someone nearby shows any of these signs, please call 911 immediately.
The significance of responding F.A.S.T. during an ischemic stroke cannot be overstated. Medical professionals stress the urgency of seeking treatment immediately when an ischemic stroke occurs. The American Stroke Association reports that approximately 1.9 million brain cells are lost every minute if an ischemic stroke goes untreated. So, if you or someone nearby shows signs of a stroke, it’s essential to call 911 without delay.
A simple way to recognize a stroke is by using the F.A.S.T. acronym.
- F: Facial drooping: Request the individual to smile and watch for any drooping on one side of their face or an uneven smile.
- A: Arm weakness: Instruct the person to raise both arms and check if one arm droops or feels weak or numb.
- S: Speech issues: To assess for slurred speech, ask the person to talk.
- T: It’s crucial to call 911. Do not attempt to drive yourself or allow someone else to drive you to the hospital. Call an ambulance at 911 to ensure prompt medical attention.
Timely treatment for strokes leads to better survival rates and fewer disabilities. First responders can start providing care to a stroke victim even before they reach the hospital.
Stroke Risk Factors
Strokes can affect anyone, regardless of age. While the likelihood of having a stroke increases as you get older, individuals under 65 can also be affected. The CDC reports that approximately one in seven strokes occurs in people aged 15 to 49.
Some risk factors, such as gender, age, and family history, are uncontrollable. However, certain health conditions and lifestyle habits can elevate your stroke risk. These include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a lack of physical activity.
