A stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when part of your brain doesn’t have enough blood flow. Every year, 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke. More than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these stroke sufferers are first time or new stroke victims.
BY: GUY JABBAR
Experiencing a stroke can be quite terrifying and confusing. Many stroke survivors describe their encounter as being struck in the head by lightning. A sudden surge of pain that causes your head to spin at a dizzying speed while leaving you unable to focus. It’s like you’re having an out-of-body experience, watching yourself feel the worst pain you’ve ever encountered.
A stroke can have a profound impact on any person. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, leading to brain tissue not receiving sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Then afterwards, your brain cells begin to die within minutes due to this lack of blood flow.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A STROKE
While the symptoms can vary depending on the type of stroke and the affected area of the brain, it can affect them physically, cognitively, and emotionally.
The effect of a stroke depends on the location and severity of the damage to the brain tissue.
It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a stroke and seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment is vital in reducing the risk of serious outcomes and improving the chances of recovery.
“A stroke may cause severe damage to the brain. Oftentimes, the increased brain damage causes face drooping (usually on one side of the face), weakness in your arms, and due to the damage to your brain it can cause you to experience speech difficulties — normally leaving you with slow-slurred, nearly unrecognizable words.“
Medical experts warn at-risk people about the early signs and symptoms to look out for and why time is of the essence in the event of a stroke. Here are the 7 most common symptoms of a stroke and why it is important to act fast.
1. Sudden Numbness or Weakness of the face, arm, or leg. When a stroke occurs, blood flow to the brain is disrupted. This can cause sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg — particularly on one side of the body. So, if you experience this symptom, it is important to act fast and seek medical attention immediately. And remember, the longer you wait, the more brain cells may die and the greater the risk of permanent disability.
2. Sudden Confusion and trouble speaking or understanding speech. A stroke can also affect your ability to communicate. You may find it hard to find the right words, or to understand what others are saying to you. These symptoms can come on quickly, and be accompanied by other signs — such as a sudden headache or dizziness.
3. Sudden Trouble Seeing in one or both eyes. This is another common symptom of a stroke. You may notice that your vision is blurry, or that you can’t see out of one eye. This can happen suddenly, and is also likely to be accompanied by a headache, light-headedness, or a feeling of dizziness. If you experience this, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as this can be a sign of a more severe stroke.
4. Sudden Trouble Walking causes you to face dizziness and a loss of balance, or coordination. A stroke may make you feel unsteady. And if you experience this stroke symptom, it’s imperative that you consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
5. Sudden Severe Headache with no known cause is not something you shouldn’t take lightly, especially when it could potentially be a symptom of a stroke. These severe headaches are often accompanied by other warning signs such as confusion, difficulty speaking, or changes in vision. These symptoms could also indicate that you may possibly have a blood clot or bleeding in the brain — which is a major indicator of a stroke.
6. Sudden Nausea and Vomiting can often be an overlooked sign of a stroke. When these symptoms are experienced in conjunction with other symptoms like a headache, confusion, or difficulty speaking, it becomes a crucial sign of the beginning of a stroke.
7. Sudden Feeling of Fainting or passing out can indicate a lack of blood flow to the brain — which can be a result of a stroke. When the brain doesn’t receive enough blood and oxygen, it can cause temporary or permanent damage to the brain cells — leading to other symptoms that we’ve discussed. So, if you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor for further testing.
PREVENTIVE STROKE MANAGEMENT
Preventing a stroke involves managing risk factors and making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some key strategies to help reduce the risk of a stroke: Controlling your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, lowering your cholesterol, taking doctor prescribed medication, and having regular health check-ups.
If a stroke goes untreated, the consequences can be severe and potentially life-threatening. The lack of treatment can lead to: Increased Brain Damage, Permanent Disabilities, Neurological and Physical Impairment, Higher Risk of Another Stroke, and even more everlasting — Death.
Bottom Line
A stroke can be a life-threatening condition. It may be one of the most frightening events you will possibly ever undergo. However, to avoid having a stroke, there are preventative measures that could keep you healthy. So, if you or someone you know is encountering stroke symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as early intervention can significantly affect your life and health. QUESTION: Have you ever experienced a stroke or know someone who has?
