What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke?

Stroke can occur at any time of your life. However, those who have attained 65+ years are more prone to getting a stroke. It is also important to note that other factors such as family history, alcohol, smoking, medical history, and your ethnicity can trigger the occurrence of stroke. If you think you are a higher risk of getting a stroke, watch out for the following signs and symptoms. They will guide you as far as seeking immediate medical attention is concerned.

1. Having difficulty in speaking or understanding

Stroke usually makes people experience a difficulty in speaking as well as understanding. If you start slurring your words or experience a difficulty in comprehending, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ascertain your medical situation.

2. Paralysis and numbness of your face, arms, or legs

Sudden numbness, weakness, and paralysis of the legs and arms, particularly on one side of the body can be a big indication that you are having a stroke. To know if you’re experiencing numbness, try raising both your hands over your head. If one arm tends to fall, consider going to a doctor for a diagnosis. In addition, if one side of your mouth tends to droop when you try to smile, you may be having a stroke.

3. Blurred vision

If you have trouble seeing with one or both of your eyes, you may be having a stroke. Moreover, if your vision is blackened, consider asking for a stroke diagnosis as soon as possible.

4. Headache

If you experience a severe headache that is accompanied by vomiting, altered consciousness, and dizziness, chances are that you have a stroke and you need to seek immediate medical attention.

5. Having trouble with walking

If you stumble and experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance, and loss of coordination, you may be having a stroke.

When to seek medical attention

It is advisable to seek immediate medical attention if you notice the above signs and symptoms. Failure to do so can lead to severe stroke or even death. You need to act fast and do the following to ascertain if the patient has stroke:

• Face: You can ask the person to smile and check if one side of his/her face droops.

• Arms: You can also ask the patient to raise both of his/her arms. This will help you evaluate if one of the arms drift downwards. You should also check if he/she is unable to raise one of his/her hiarms.

• Speech: Draft simple phrases and ask the person to repeat them. If his/her speech is slurred and strange, consider a diagnosis and medication from a doctor as soon as possible.

If you notice one of these signs, you are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not wait until the signs and symptoms fade away. Remember, stroke kills if not managed early. Every minute counts as far as stroke is concerned. If you leave it untreated for a long time, it can cause brain damage as well as disability. If you suspect that your relative is having a stroke, keep a close watch of that person.