When the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, strokes are more likely to occur.Brain cells die without enough oxygen within minutes, leading to brain damage and sometimes death.In the US, strokes are the fifth leading cause of death.Knowing the physical signs of a stroke can save a life.It's important to confirm a stroke at the hospital in order to get the most appropriate treatment.
Step 1: You should know when to see a doctor.
If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of a stroke in people around you, or if you experience them yourself, you need to seek medical attention.Don't wait to see if the symptoms get better or go away, call or have someone else call the emergency number immediately.You will need to be evaluated by a doctor even if they do.The longer a stroke goes undetected, the greater the chance of permanent brain damage and disability."FAST" stands for ace and is a good acronym to remember if you suspect someone is having a stroke.If one side of the face drops, ask the person to smile.It was rms.If one arm doesn't move or drift downward, ask the person to raise both arms.peech.If the person's speech is slurred, ask them to repeat a simple phrase.I.Don't waste time and call paramedics if you see any of these signs.
Step 2: Listen for trouble.
The speech centers of the brain can be affected by strokes, which can cause trouble speaking or a complete inability to communicate.The stroke victim may be unable to speak or slur their words.A look of panic can be seen on the person's face when they realize something is wrong.If a person is suddenly silent and has a confused look on their face, ask them what's wrong and how they're feeling.It's a good idea to make sure the person isn't drunk.
Step 3: Look for signs of confusion.
A common sign of a stroke is confusion and difficulty understanding a conversation, both of which are related to damage to the communication centers of the brain.The stroke victim may look blank as you speak to them.Asking a person if they're having a stroke is not very fruitful because they can't speak or understand.Ask questions that children can answer.In addition to asking if they're okay, ask what day of the week it is and what their favorite color is.They are suffering from a brain injury if they can't answer.It's important to remember when the suspicious signs and symptoms start because it can give paramedics and doctors an idea of how long the brain cells have been without oxygen.
Step 4: Look for weakness of the face.
Neurological damage from strokes can cause paralysis in the muscles of the face.You can see the muscles and skin droop around the eyes and corners of the mouth on the same side.If you think a person is having a stroke, ask them to smile or remove their tongue.Their smile will look crooked if they can't understand you.Paralysis from a stroke can happen on the left or right side of the face and body.The left side of the face and body is always affected by strokes in the left hemisphere.
Step 5: If they can't walk or lift things, notice.
If the injury is in the left hemisphere of the brain, right-sided paralysis is more common.The paralyzed leg is usually rotating internally so the toes point towards the opposite foot.The paralyzed arm looks like it's in a sling as it flexes at the elbow and wrist.Walking looks clumsy as the leg is dragged behind it.The person is unable to write because of the affected hand.People who have had or are experiencing a stroke are more likely to fall and break a hip or skull due to poor balance and coordination.Try to keep the person calm and not move as much as possible.A stroke or other type of brain injury is when a person can't raise both hands over their head at the same time.Weakness, numbness, and pins and needles are related to paralysis in the limbs and face.
Step 6: Ask if they have a visual problem.
A splitting headaches and visual problems are some of the more difficult to notice signs of a stroke.Sometimes headaches are accompanied by vomiting and dizziness.It is possible for vision to become blurred or blacked out in one or both eyes.Double vision is not uncommon.The headaches associated with strokes can be similar to a migraines.People who suffer from chronic migraines are more likely to have strokes.Vision is not always permanent in stroke victims.If treatment such as blood thinners is given in a reasonable amount of time, signs and symptoms can be quickly resolved.
Step 7: Go for a physical exam.
When you get to a hospital or emergency clinic, you'll get a physical exam to see if you have a stroke.The doctor will give you a neurological assessment, take your blood pressure, listen to your heart and lungs, look into your eyes, ask about your family history, and inquire about what drugs you're taking.Your doctor will try to detect a whooshing sound over the carotid arteries of your neck after listening to your heart.There are other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of a stroke.
Step 8: You should have your blood looked at.
In the emergency department, a sample of your blood will be taken and analyzed in the lab to see how well it clot, if you have an infectious disease, or if your electrolytes are out of balance.It's possible that these factors affect how you'll be treated in the hospital.Ischemic strokes can be made worse by clot-forming blood.There are two tests done in the lab to check for ability to clot.Hypoglycemia can mimic symptoms of a stroke.Too much sugar in the blood is harmful to blood vessels and can increase the risk of stroke.
Step 9: A computerized tomography (CT) scans are available.
A detailed image of your brain can be created by using a series of x-rays.If the physical signs of a stroke are obvious, it's a good idea to get a computed tomographic (CT) Scan to see if the stroke is caused by a vessel obstruction or burst vessel.Everyone with a suspected stroke should get a CT Scan within an hour of the event.
Step 10: If necessary, get magnetic resonance images done.
A strong magnetic field and radio waves can be used to produce 3-D images of the brain, which can show the location and extent of a stroke.It's often the preferred diagnostic tool to diagnose small, deep injuries within the brain because of the sharper and more detailed image produced by MRI.It depends on the results of the computed tomograph and what the neurologist decides.For people with more complex symptoms related to a stroke, where the extent or location of the damage is unknown, magnetic resonance is often more appropriate.Injected dye can be used to highlight blood vessels with an magnetic resonance image.
Step 11: Take a closer look at the carotid arteries.
The carotid arteries of your neck can be further investigated with a carotid duplex ultrasound.The doctor uses a device on your neck that emits sound waves to create an image of the inside of your arteries.It can show the plaque build up.If your doctor detected a bruit in your neck with their stethoscope during the physical exam, it's important that you get a carotid ultrasound.It should be done within 48 hours of the event for the best results.A cerebral angiogram involves injecting dye into your arteries from a long, thin catheter.X-rays of the neck are taken to look for problems.
Step 12: Do you know about tests for your heart?
Your heart should be checked out as well because it can originate from your brain.Aside from a general chest x-ray, the two main tests to check heart function and get detailed images of it are an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram.An electrocardiogram is a test that shows the pattern of electrical activity in the heart, while an echocardiogram uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of your heart.The EKG shows how fast your heart is beating.As electrical signals pass through your heart, it records their strength and timing.An EKG uses 12 electrical leads attached to your chest, arms and legs to record signals.An echocardiogram can show the source of the clot that got stuck in your brain.You can get a trans-thoracic echocardiogram on your chest or in your throat.