A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, and this prevents tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. For this reason, prompt medical attention is necessary to improve outcomes. Here are some of the symptoms of a stroke and when to seek emergency care:
Drooping Face
Because facial drooping is a sign of a stroke, it requires immediate care. This happens because the brain is unable to send the correct signals to the facial muscles. You might notice one side of the mouth is drooping, and the person is unable to smile evenly. Drooping may also affect the eye on the same side.
When you ask the person to smile, the unevenness may become more apparent. The person can also experience numbness, and it typically occurs on one side of their face. This symptom appears suddenly.
One side of the face may look and feel different. This asymmetry is a key indicator that something is wrong, so you need to act quickly. If you suspect a stroke, observing the face provides useful information.
Weakening Arm
A sudden weakness or numbness in one arm is another indicator of a stroke. When this happens, the person is unable to lift one arm as high as the other. This symptom results from a lack of blood flow to the brain area that controls muscle movement, and weakness can be accompanied by tingling.
Ask the person to raise both arms straight out in front of them. One arm could drift downward, and they are unable to hold it up. While this lack of control is a key signal, you might also notice a lack of coordination in one hand.
Speaking Difficulty
A stroke typically affects a person’s ability to speak or understand speech, and this condition is called aphasia. They may slur their words, use the wrong words, or be unable to speak at all. Communication may become challenging when brain areas for language are affected. You can test for this by asking a simple question, and you can:
- Ask them to repeat a short phrase.
- Ask them what their name is.
- See if they can follow a simple command.
Listen for confused or jumbled speech. The inability to communicate clearly is a definite warning sign. If the person seems disoriented or has trouble forming sentences, it may foreshadow a possible stroke.
Aggravating Headache
A sudden, severe headache is sometimes a symptom of a specific type of stroke. This headache is often described as the worst headache of a person’s life. It comes on without warning. This intense pain differs from typical headaches or migraines. You might also:
- Have neck stiffness
- Experience dizziness
- Undergo vomiting
When a headache this severe occurs, getting a medical evaluation is a priority.
Find Care for a Stroke
Time is a significant factor when someone is having a stroke, and getting medical help as soon as possible may improve the chances of recovery. When you call for emergency services, describe the symptoms you are seeing. This information helps first responders prepare, and they can begin providing care as soon as they arrive. If you believe someone is experiencing a stroke, contact emergency services right away.
