How to spot Stroke Symptoms in a Senior, pt 2

There are two main types of stroke. Both are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.

1.) The most common is ischemic stroke, which accounts for about 87% of all strokes. It happens when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain.

2.) A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain.

Know the warning signs of stoke: B.E. F.A.S.T. The American Stroke Association uses the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. to help people quickly recognize stroke symptoms.

Here is an explanation to assist in recognition:

– B: Balance loss. Sudden loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking, or unexplained dizziness are red flags. If your elder suddenly seems unsteady on their feet for no apparent reason, take it seriously.
– E: Eye (vision) changes. Sudden vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes, are a warning sign. Ask the person if their vision seems “off” in any way.
– F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or appear numb? An uneven smile is a classic, visible symptom of stroke.
– A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms at the same time. If one arm drifts downward or feels weak and numb, that’s a significant warning sign.
– S: Speech difficulty. Slurred speech, garbled words, or an inability to speak or understand speech are hallmark stroke symptoms. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like, “The sky is blue.” Is it hard to understand? Does it come out wrong?
– T: Time to call 911. If you observe any of these symptoms, or even just one, do not drive the person to the hospital yourself. Call 911 immediately.

The most effective stroke treatments work best when they are given within 3 to 4.5 hours of the first symptoms.

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