A stroke happens when your brain cells stop getting sufficient blood flow. This inhibits the ability of your brain cells to get oxygen and nutrients. As a result, many of your brain cells begin to die. This is a medical emergency.
How do I know if I am having a stroke?
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
What should I do if someone is having a stroke?
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers determine the best treatment for each person.
Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. If anyone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Every minute is vital when treating stroke. If some of the symptoms are left ignored for too long, long-term symptoms such as paralysis and cognitive issues.
What causes a stroke?
There are three main types of strokes, and they all are caused by different things. Ischemic stroke is caused by fatty deposits that block the blood vessels that travel from your heart to your brain. Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a rupture in a blood vessel in your brain. The blood in your blood vessel leaks out and doesn’t end up getting to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke can stem from a variety of issues like trauma, high blood pressure, weak spots/sections in your blood vessels, and overuse of blood thinners. The last type of stroke is a TIA (Transient ischemic attack). This type of stroke is caused by partial blockages in your blood vessels and decreases the amount of blood your brain gets for as little as 5 minutes. This type of stroke is temporary and doesn’t cause any lasting damage, but can be a good indicator that you’re at risk for ischemic stroke in the future.
If you think that you’re at risk or have more questions about stroke, your primary care physician is a good place to start. If you’re looking for a primary care physician in Plano, Irving, or Frisco, call us at 214-666-6259 or schedule an appointment in the contact tab above the post.
Author Jai Sammpath
