A Stroke Is An Emergency

If you can't list the symptoms of a stroke, you're not alone. However, if that's the case you're not any help to possible victims of this killer, either.

Stroke is a leading cause of death in our society, but a recent survey by the Canadian Stroke Network showed that less than half of the adults surveyed know its symptoms. More than a third said they wouldn't treat stroke symptoms as a medical emergency.

In a stroke, blood flow to or in the brain is suddenly interrupted. The sooner the person receives medical care, the better the chances for effective treatment. If you observe anyone displaying the symptoms of a stroke, call 911.

The most common symptoms of a stroke include:

• Confusion and sudden difficulty in speaking or understanding.
• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.
• Trouble seeing with one or both eyes suddenly.
• Abrupt loss of balance or coordination.
• Dizziness or sudden trouble with walking.
• Abrupt severe headache with no known cause.

There are other important but less common symptoms, including:

• Loss of conciousness
• Coma
• Fainting
• Convulsions
• Nausea, vomiting and fever developed unusually fast (in minutes or hours instead of the period of several days needed by an infection).

What to do in such an emergency:

• Take note of the time when symptoms or warning signs begin. The medical personnel will need this information.
• Remember that not all of the warning signs accompany every stroke. Don't ignore symptoms, even if they disappear.
• If you or someone you work with has one or more stroke symptoms that continue for more than a few minutes, immediately call for an ambulance.
• Keep in mind that denial of the situation is common among stroke victims. If you're with someone who is having symptoms of a stroke, insist on calling the emergency medical service number. Don't let the possible stroke victim talk you out of it.

Be prepared ahead of time.

• Post a list of emergency rescue service telephone numbers next to each phone and put a copy in your pocket or wallet.
• Know which medical facility is nearest, and which area hospitals have 24-your emergency stroke care.

Here's what you can do to lessen your chances of having a stroke:

• Get your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure is the factor that puts you most at risk for a stroke. Also called hypertension, high blood pressure means the force of the blood against artery walls is excessive.
• Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
• Don’t smoke.

Remember, A Stroke Is An Emergency and must be treated within a few hours of the first symptoms. Lack of awareness can be fatal. When someone around you shows the signs of a stroke, call for medical help immediately.