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Know the signs of a stroke

Play it safe — make the call.

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When someone is having a stroke, time isn’t on your side. You must act fast. How you react could be lifesaving. And, it may mean the difference between a successful recovery and a lasting disability for your loved one. Know what to look for and what you should do.

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What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the brain doesn’t get the oxygen-rich blood it needs. Most often, that’s because a blood clot has blocked a vessel.
But, it can also happen when bleeding occurs in the brain. There are two types of stroke: Ischemic and hemorhagic.  

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke is the most common type. It happens when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. It may be treatable with a drug that dissolves the blockage. 

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Hemorhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain. Surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding.

What are the symptoms?

  • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
  • Dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance or coordination
  • Confusion
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
  • Severe headache with no known cause

Why is getting help quickly so important? 

It’s an emergency. When the brain doesn’t get enough blood or has a bleed, brain cells are damaged or die. As a result, a person may become disabled. Besides saving lives, fast treatment may prevent these problems from becoming permanent.

Remember: Someone having a stroke may not know it. It could be up to you to get help. Call 911 the moment you suspect a stroke even if the symptoms go away after a few minutes. This could be a warning sign of a more serious stroke to come. Play it safe — make the call.

 

Source:

  • Healthy Mind Healthy Body

 

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.