Assessment for Stroke

When a person suffers a stroke, it means there has been an interruption of blood supply to the brain. The effects and symptoms differ depending on which part of the brain has been affected. While stroke assessment is not always straightforward, there are several key warning signs to look out for. In cases where these symptoms present, seek medical advice without delay.

Immediate Symptoms

• The onset of a stroke is generally sudden. According to the American Stroke Association, common symptoms are a sudden numbness of the face or weakening of the facial muscles, sudden numbness in the arm or leg especially if it is on one side of the body, confusion or trouble speaking, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination or a sudden severe headache.

Importance of Immediate Action

• Strokes can happen to anyone at any age. Seek immediate medical advice if someone you know suffers one or more of the above symptoms, even if the symptoms do not appear particularly dangerous or life threatening. This is because there is a clot-reducing drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) which may reduce long-term disability in some stroke sufferers, but only if it is dispensed within three hours of symptom onset.

Transient Ischaemic Attack

• If the stroke symptoms disappear quickly--any time from just a couple of minutes to several hours--it is possible a transient ischaemic attack, also referred to as a TIA or mini-stroke, has occurred. Even if the person appears to have recovered fully, immediately see a doctor. If this is not possible, go to your accident & emergency department for a full medical assessment. A TIA means there is risk of more-serious stroke occurring in the future. During medical assessment, the doctor will prescribe daily aspirin and will arrange an MRI scan either within 24 hours if risk is assessed to be high, or within a week, if risk is low.

Face Arm Speech Test (FAST)

• There is a simple way to remember the three most common symptoms so as to assess whether someone has had a stroke or is experiencing a transient ischaemic attack. The Face Arm Speech Test is memorable because of the acronym FAST and is promoted by the Stroke Association.

  Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has his mouth or an eye drooped?

  Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

  Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

  Time to call 9-11.

  If you see any of these signs, it is advised to contact emergency services immediately.

Risk Factors

• Strokes are more common in people over 55. This is due to the condition of the arteries, which harden with age and may sometimes become clogged with cholesterol. Family history of stroke is another risk factor. Asian, African and African-Caribbean communities are statistically at a greater risk of suffering a stroke. Over time, conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can cause damage to the arteries, making stroke more likely. Have your blood pressure checked regularly, avoid heavy drinking and smoking and exercise and eat well to cut your risk of having a stroke.