When vital blood flow and oxygen is cut off to the brain, a stroke occurs. With the interruption of blood flow to the brain, the brain cells start dying, and as a result the functions of the body controlled by that particular area of the brain gets affected. There are two Types of Strokes. They are Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke. The seriousness of this attack is, that two million brain cells die every minute and thereby the chances of permanent brain damage is possible.
Knowing the Healthy Cholesterol Level:Signs and Symptoms can save your life and the lives of others.
Symptoms:
Weakness and numbness on the face, leg or arm, especially one side of the body.
Inability to speak, loss of words or slurring in the speech.
Poor vision, unable to focus and see properly.
Severe headache due to no reason.
Dizziness, and unable to balance yourself.
These are some of the common symptoms. Do not take these signs lightly as ignoring these symptoms can even lead to disastrous results.
The following test will help one to recognize the stroke symptoms and act F-A-S-T:
F – FACE - Get the person to smile. Is there a change in the face?
A – ARM - Ask him/her to lift the arm. Does it tend to fall down?
S – SPEECH – Is the speech different? Is there a slurring in the speech?
T – TIME – Time is very crucial. If you notice any of these symptoms,
immediately take the person to the hospital.
The difference between a Transient Ischemic Attach (TIA) and a Stroke is that in a TIA there are stroke like signs known as ‘mini-stroke’ or a ‘warning-stroke’, where as in a Stroke it will last for a longer period of time. About 15% of the strokes are preceded by ‘mini-strokes’, as such pay attention and give the person the treatment necessary. Making note of the time that the first symptom was noticed will help in the medication process, as according to American Stroke Association if the drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is given within three hours of the first symptom, long term disability can be reduced.
It is advisable that in every home that a list of emergency phone numbers kept pinned next to your telephone. As time is all important element in this deadly disease, by calling an emergency medical centre you can be assured that the patient will get the required attention and medical treatment at the correct time.
Today, there is treatment for Stroke, and the extent of damage can be prevented if you are able to recognize the symptoms and if the person is given the immediate treatment. It is up to you, and you can save another person’s life or permanent disability due to brain damage by your actions. |