How do you know if someone is having a stroke? What are the signs and symptoms? Could you tell if you were having one yourself?
The signs and symptoms of a stroke are very specific and easy to understand once you get to know them. If you have an elderly relative or friend or are often around aged people, it's important to know what to look for in a stroke and how do they can differ from other medical episodes.
Confusion - the first sign!
One of the biggest issues with a stroke is that a common symptom of suffering one is confusion. The person having the stroke can simply start to feel rather strange in their heads and be unsure of what is happening to them. As a stroke is kind of like a “heart attack” in your brain, it causes the brain's blood supply to get reduced or interrupted. This leads to a lack of oxygen and other nutrients in the brain which causes brain cells to start dying.
It's no wonder then that the first thing stroke victims find themselves suffering from is to become really confused about what is actually happening to them. This is why it’s so important for others around them to know the correct signs to look for, because the person themselves will most likely NOT realise they are having a stroke.
Best to act FAST!
The best way to tell if someone is having a stroke is to remember this word – FAST! FAST stands for FACE ARMS SPEECH & TIME and that provides a clue of what to look for:
FACE – look at their face. Is their mouth drooping to one side? That’s a common sign.
ARMS – ask them to try and life both their arms. If they can’t that’s another stroke sign.
SPEECH – are they speaking in a slurred manner? Can they understand what you are saying? Another sign of a stroke.
TIME – Time is of the essence so if you see the first 3 signs, then call 000 immediately!
Long-term damage from a stroke can occur very quickly. So acting FAST is always the right thing to do. Recognise the signs and symptoms FAST. And act FAST!
As soon as you recognise the possible signs and symptoms of a stroke, call an ambulance immediately. Then do the following steps to help the person.
Are they conscious?
If the person is still conscious, simply lay them on their side, making sure their head is raised slightly and is supported. Make the person as comfortable as possible. Keep them calm and reassure them that help is on the way. Loosen any tight clothing they might be wearing to make sure they can breathe easily.
Do not try to give them anything to eat or drink, even if they ask for it.
If the person goes unconscious but it still breathing and has a pulse, put them on their side and keep them warm while you wait for the ambulance.
Of course, if they are NOT breathing and have no pulse then you should immediately start performing CPR on them.
In Australia, more ambulances are now equipped to deliver specialist treatment to stroke victims as soon as they arrive, which can improve their recovery.
But the best thing you can do to help anyone in your life who might become a stroke victim is make sure you have been trained in First Aid & CPR. Book a course today at https://www.resultsfirstaid.com/courses
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