Immediately recognizing the signs of a stroke can make an important difference in the long term outcome of its victim. National Stroke Association’s website states strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of adult disability; yet up to 80% of strokes are preventable. Most strokes are caused by blood clots that stop or interrupt a person’s blood supply from reaching the brain. When this happens, brain tissue starts to die within minutes due to lack of oxygen and food. Clearly the sooner one notices the start of a stroke and is given medical attention, the less damage will occur to the brain. Certain medicines can be given within a few hours of the start of a stroke than can break up or dissolve the blood clots causing the stroke. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducted a five-year study on stroke patients who received one of these medicines. Patients who received Activase within three hours of the start of their stroke were 33 percent more likely to recover with little or no disability within three months when compared to those patients receiving a placebo. [1] Undoubtedly, time is of the essence for stroke victims.
What are the signs of a stroke?
- Facial drooping. Is one side of the face weaker and sloping down? Can they raise both arms or does one drift down?
- Trouble speaking. Are they having difficulty speaking? Is there slurred speech? Can they understand you?
- Loss of vision. Are they having blurred vision in one or both eyes?
- Loss of balance. Are they having difficulty standing or walking?
- Severe headache. Does this feel like the worst headache the person has ever had?
Remember this simple 3-step test:
S – SMILE, ask the person to smile T – TALK, ask the person to talk and say a simple sentence R – RAISE, have them both arms If the person has trouble performing any of the 3 STR steps, call 911! ***New sign of a stroke! Have the person stick out their tongue. If it is “crooked” or is falling to one side or the other, this is another sign of a stroke. If you see ANY of these signs, IMMEDIATELY CALL 911! Your preparedness and prompt action could significantly reduce the negative effects of a stroke.
We hope this was helpful. If you have any questions or if you know of a senior that could benefit from our vast array of home care services in Baton Rouge, please call us at 225.819.8338 or email us. Most long-term care insurance policies will reimburse us for our services and we have a team of over 200 bonded and insured CAREGivers covering the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area.
Related articles
- Stroke Treatment – Why Every Second Counts (everydayhealth.com)
- Stroke Treatment: Stopping Stroke With Medications (everydayhealth.com)
- What Causes Strokes (todayifoundout.com)
