Introduction
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of a stroke—and it’s best to get yourself checked out as soon as possible:
Speech Trouble
This is a common sign of stroke, especially among people who have had strokes in the past.
You may notice that someone has trouble speaking or understanding speech. They might slur their words, find it difficult to name objects, or struggle with other basic language tasks like describing what happened in the previous hour or where they work. If you notice these signs in someone you know and trust, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately!
Facial Drooping
If you notice one side of your friend’s face drooping, or if one half of their mouth appears to be hanging lower than the other side, this may be a sign of stroke. Similarly, if you notice that only one eye is being opened less than usual or not at all (a condition called anisocoria), it could also be a symptom of stroke.
Stroke is often mistaken for a simple case of dizziness and nausea because it causes headaches and blurry vision in addition to facial drooping and loss of balance—all symptoms which are easily dismissed by doctors as simply being signs of exhaustion, stress or dehydration.
If you see any other signs that seem unusual or out-of-place to you but cannot identify them as typical symptoms of a cold virus (or whatever else might explain why they’re occurring), don’t hesitate: go straight to the nearest hospital emergency room!
Arm Weakness
- Arm Weakness. If you have arm weakness, the muscles of your upper body are not working properly. If you suspect you might be having a stroke, do not ignore it and call 911 immediately, as well as get to the hospital as soon as possible.
- Speech Difficulty. If you are having difficulty speaking or understanding speech, this could be another sign of a stroke.
- Numbness or Tingling in the Face or Arms/Legs. You may experience numbness or tingling in either one side of your face or both sides simultaneously; if this goes away after a few seconds but returns again, it could be an indication that something is wrong with your brain function..
Time To Call 911
If you or someone else has any of the signs of stroke, call 911 immediately. If you can’t call 911, then go directly to the hospital or urgent care center. If you have a relative or friend who has had a stroke, help them get checked out.
Trouble Seeing
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Loss of vision in one eye (if it is not temporary)
- Vision loss in both eyes (if it is not temporary)
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and get yourself checked out.
If you believe you or someone else is experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, it’s important to act quickly. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Here are some things you can do:
- Remove any obstructions from the patient’s airway and check for breathing; if necessary, begin CPR. If the victim is unconscious, call 911 and start artificial respiration (rescue breathing) while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
- If possible, standardize care by using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Conclusion
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get yourself checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. A stroke is a serious medical emergency that can leave you paralyzed or cause severe brain damage if not treated quickly enough. If you think something may be wrong with your brain, eyesight or speech, don’t wait until tomorrow—call 911 now!