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Signs of a Possible Stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the third-leading cause of death among adults. It occurs when blood cannot flow to the brain, causing brain cells to die because they are not receiving proper oxygen and nutrients. The aftereffects of a stroke include paralysis, pain, numbness and problems with speaking, thought processes and emotions. But a stroke victim that receives treatment in less than 60 minutes can avoid disability, making it imperative to know the warning signs.

  1. Sudden numbness or tingling

    • A stroke victim may feel that one of his limbs or face has gone numb or is tingling. This can indicate sudden paralysis. Ask him to raise his arms in the air or to smile as big as he can. If one arm or side of his smile is drooping, it is an indication of paralysis.

    Inability to understand communication or speak properly

    • A stroke victim may suddenly exhibit slurred speech or jumbled words. Slurred speech is common, and many people notice it right away. However, jumbled speech can be confusing because you may not even know there is a problem. A stroke victim with jumbled speech knows what she wants to communicate, but when she tries to say it out loud or write it down, different words or the right words in different order may come out instead. Ask a possible stroke victim to repeat a sentence after you and listen for any deformities.

    Trouble seeing and walking

    • A stroke victim may have one or both eyes suddenly become blurred or blind. Also, they may not be able to walk properly, even if they do not exhibit characteristics of paralysis. It will just look like a loss of balance or coordination throughout the entire body. The stroke victim will not know why she can't coordinate her body movements.

    Sudden severe headache

    • There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic occurs when a blood clot stops blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. Hemorrhagic is the less common of the two types, but its telltale symptom is a sudden, extremely severe headache. It will come out of the blue with no known cause.

      Call 911 immediately if you notice someone exhibiting one or more of these symptoms.

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