Many of us have heard the term “Stroke”, but how many of us know what to do when someone experiences a stroke? We might not even know a person is affected by stroke. Today, we shall help you identify a stroke and help you save precious lives during emergency times.
Before identifying a stroke, you need to know what exactly a stroke is. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is reduced or stopped. When this happens, the brain cells of the affected person begin to die, that is why every second is critical.
How do I identify a stroke?
You can identify stroke symptoms by using a method which is known as FAST, an acronym for:
- Face drooping,
- Arm weakness,
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call the emergency line
This method includes judging the symptoms and calling for help. These actions require you to communicate with the person. You must make sure that your communication is clear to the person. Let us break down each of them and see these in detail.
Face drooping
- Action: Ask the person to smile
- Symptoms: In case of stroke, when the person smiles, it will be uneven. One side of the face or mouth will start to droop.
Arm Weakness
- Action: Ask the person to raise both arms
- Symptoms: You should be looking for any numbness or weakness on either of the arms. One arm drifting downwards is a sign of weakness.
Speech Difficulty
- Action: Ask the person any random question
- Symptoms: A person who is experiencing a stroke will have a slur while speaking. The person might also have trouble speaking even simple sentences, the speech will be incomprehensible.
Time to call the emergency line
Do not waste any more time: If the person experiences any of these symptoms call emergency line right way. Even if the `symptoms disappear, the person must be taken to a hospital.
What are the other ways to detect a stroke?
- Vision trouble in one or both eyes
- Confusion understanding a command
- Loss of balance in walking
- Dizziness
- A severe headache
- Paralysis or weakness in any part of the body
- Difficulty swallowing
- Involuntary eye movements
- Muscle stiffness
- Memory loss
- Behavioral changes
Act FAST- Time is of the essence
What should I do until the ambulance arrives?
So, you have identified the symptoms correctly and have called the emergency line. The ambulance will arrive in 10 minutes. Now, what should you do meanwhile?
- Place the person’s head in a raised position
- Note down the symptoms and time of it taking place
- Do not offer any food or medicines
- Stay calm
If you are still unsure of the symptoms, you should still call the emergency line. It is very important that you take action in the most efficient and quick manner. A person who is affected with stroke needs to be treated within 60 minutes failing to which they might develop any permanent damage to the brain or any body part. Do not wait or waste any time, it is better to act when you have the slightest of the doubt.