A stroke occurs when blood flow is restricted from parts of the brain. This causes the brain tissue to be deprived of oxygen and nutrients and causes cells to start to immediately die.
This short guide will tell you how to spot the signs of a stroke, what to do if someone has a stroke, and what happens after a stroke.
Recognizing The Signs of Stroke
The first step to helping someone who’s having a stroke is recognizing the signs of a stroke. An easy way to remember the symptoms is to remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T:
- Balance
- Eyes
- Face
- Arm
- Speech
- Time
Has the person suddenly lost balance or lost their vision? Is their face drooping, or is one arm feeling weak or numb? Are they slurring their speech or speaking strangely?
If they are suffering any of these symptoms, it’s important to note what time they started and if the symptoms progress. Then it’s time to take action, and quickly – every second matters.
What To Do If Someone Has a Stroke
After noting what time these symptoms started, it’s time to call 911. Do not try to drive yourself or someone else to the hospital when having a stroke. Emergency medical personnel can begin treatment as soon as they arrive, potentially avoiding more serious consequences.
Do not give them any medication, food, or drinks. Don’t allow them to fall asleep, as this could cause further complications. Also, try to keep communicating with them to keep track of how far the stroke has progressed.
If the person quits breathing and requires CPR, it’s important to respond immediately by giving chest compressions. Above all else, it’s important to remain calm throughout the entire situation. Panic doesn’t help you, the person suffering the stroke, or the emergency personnel trying to help.
What To Do After a Stroke
After being treated for the stroke in the emergency department, your health team will put together a plan for your full recovery. In some situations, the stroke may have been severe enough to need speech therapy, respiratory care, physical therapy, or even inpatient care.
You’ll want to ask your doctor what the likelihood of having another stroke is. This will give you a good idea of how well you need to keep track of warning signs of another stroke. If you do recognize any warning signs, you’ll need to call your doctor immediately and follow their instructions.
Changing your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can also help reduce the likelihood of experiencing another stroke. It’s also best to avoid saturated fats, fried foods, and sugar. Increasing your amount of light exercise can also help to further reduce your risk of having another stroke.
Stay Healthy With Us
Now that you have the tools to recognize a stroke, what to do if someone has a stroke, and what happens after having a stroke, it’s time to be vigilant. Remember B.E.F.A.S.T. to recognize symptoms and get help.
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