According to The World Health Organization (WHO), a stroke is in third place on the list of the deadliest diseases and disorders. Unfortunately, most strokes aren’t even noticed until it’s too late.
Doctors identify two types of strokes: a Hemorrhagic stroke and an Ischemic stroke, caused by a vessel blockage.
An ischemic stroke can have no distinct symptoms and can easily go unnoticed.
According to statistics, 80% of strokes are of the ischemic type. 37% of these stroke patients die, 31% of those who had a stroke need constant care, and 20% can’t walk on their own afterward.
SO WHAT HAPPENS DURING A STROKE? THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW…
The most common reason for an ischemic stroke is a clot or a spasm that blocks the blood flow in a certain part of the brain. The tissue around the clotted vessel swells and the space in the skull is limited. The intracranial pressure increases and a headache appear.
The entire brain suffers from the high pressure. During the stroke, one’s arms and legs can stop moving, a person might lose their coordination or the ability to hear or speak. In some cases, even hallucinations are possible.
After some time, the blood flows into the neighboring arteries and veins, and the swelling disappears along with the headache. However, the nervous system takes a lot of time to recover. Some of its functions might disappear completely.
In cases of a very mild stroke, the memories of yesterday or the events that happened 10 years ago disappear. In more serious situations, the person becomes disabled.
But if the stroke is recognized on time, there is a good chance that damage could be prevented.
HERE ARE SYMPTOMS OF AN ISCHEMIC STROKE
* Sudden numbness or weakness on the face, in the leg or arm — especially on one side of the body.
* Confusion, the inability to speak or understand
* Problems with one or both eyes.
* Difficulties walking, dizziness, loss of coordination.
* A severe headache that appears suddenly without reason.
There may be no difference in symptoms between the 2 types of strokes, but either way, the wrong approach in treatment can kill the patient. That’s why it’s very important to call a doctor immediately to be diagnosed correctly.
Apart from the afore-mentioned, there are other symptoms that require you to visit a doctor—
* A headache that leads to vomiting or the loss of a sense of direction.
* The tenseness of muscles in the back of the head.
* Vomiting.
* Darkening of the eyes.
* Looking at one spot for a long time for no reason.
It’s important to please, note that these signs may indicate a stroke or other health problems.
SO WHAT SHOULD ONE DO IF THEY SUSPECT SOMEONE AROUND THEM IS HAVING AN ISCHEMIC STROKE?
* Ask the person to smile.
* Check if one side of the face looks strange.
* Ask the person to raise both arms. Check if one of the arms is on the same level as the other.
* Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence or poem.
* Check if the person pronounces the words clearly and correctly.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should get the person to a hospital immediately. Doctors say the only way to reduce the negative consequences of a stroke is to help the person within the first hour.