How to Recognize a Stroke Victim

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to stop functioning due to insufficient oxygen and nutrients. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the United Kingdom, and accounts for 10% of global deaths. Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial, especially if someone close to you is at risk. Early treatment can minimize brain damage, but the victim must be hospitalized within one hour after the first signs of stroke appear.

Understand the Difference Between a Stroke and a Mini-Stroke. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke, caused by a blockage in the brain's blood vessels, and hemorrhagic stroke, caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain leading to bleeding. Hemorrhagic stroke is less common than ischemic stroke, accounting for only 20% of stroke cases. Both types are serious and can be life-threatening if not treated as soon as possible.

• Mini-strokes, also known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when your brain receives less blood than normal. They can last anywhere from a few minutes to a day. Many people who experience a mini-stroke may not even realize it, but it can be a warning sign of an ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. If someone has a mini-stroke, they need immediate medical attention.

Identify the Signs of a Stroke. Most people who suffer a stroke display at least two of the most common signs, including:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Sudden difficulty walking, accompanied by dizziness or loss of balance.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding others.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Perform the F.A.S.T. Test. It can be difficult for a person experiencing a stroke to explain their symptoms. To determine if someone is having a stroke, you can conduct a quick test known as the F.A.S.T. test:

• Face – Ask the person to smile. Check if one side of their face droops or if they have lost feeling on that side. Their smile might be uneven or lopsided.
• Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. If they can’t lift both arms or if one arm falls, they may be experiencing a stroke.
• Speech – Ask the person simple questions like how old they are or their name. Pay attention if they slur their words or have trouble speaking clearly.
• Time – If any of the above symptoms are present, call emergency services immediately. Be sure to note the time the symptoms started, as medical staff can use this information to better assist the patient.

Call Emergency Services (115) for Immediate Help. Once you confirm that someone is having a stroke, you must act quickly and dial 115 for help. Inform the emergency responders that the patient is having a stroke and needs immediate medical attention. Stroke is a medical emergency, and the longer the brain lacks oxygen, the more severe the damage will be.

Allow the Doctor to Examine and Evaluate the Patient. When you take the stroke patient to the hospital, the doctor will ask questions such as what happened and when the symptoms started. These questions help the doctor determine whether the patient is thinking clearly and assess the severity of the stroke. The doctor will also check the patient's reflexes and may order additional tests, including:

• Imaging tests: These tests will provide clear images of the patient's brain, including CT scans and MRIs, which help the doctor determine if the stroke is caused by a blockage or bleeding in the brain.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) and Electroencephalogram (EEG): The patient may undergo an EEG to record electrical activity and brain functions and an EKG to measure heart electrical activity.
• Blood Flow Tests: These tests check for any changes in blood flow to the brain.

Discuss Treatment Options with the Doctor. Some strokes can be treated with a medication called tPA, which helps dissolve blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. However, the golden window for treatment is within three hours, and each treatment option has its own specific protocol. It is crucial that the patient is admitted to the hospital within 60 minutes of the stroke's onset to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

• A recent study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) found that patients who received tPA within three hours of stroke symptoms had a 30% chance of full recovery without lasting disabilities after three months.
• If tPA is not administered, doctors may prescribe antiplatelet drugs or blood thinners for transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or mini-strokes.
• If the patient suffers from a hemorrhagic stroke, doctors will prescribe medications to lower blood pressure. They may also prescribe antiplatelet drugs or blood thinners.
• In some cases, surgery may be required for treatment.