Stroke Symptoms

Are you experiencing stroke symptoms? Call 9-1-1 immediately!

When a stroke occurs, it’s time to act fast – if you or someone you know shows sudden signs of facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1, even if the symptoms last a short time. Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas emergency services provide round-the-clock-treatment, so that you can find the care you need, when you need it most. Learn more about your risk of stroke by taking our free stroke health assessment.

TAKE A STROKE HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT

What is a Stroke?

When the brain’s blood flow is stopped by a blockage or leaks into the wrong place, brain cells die. This is called a stroke. Brain cells that die will not recover (resulting in permanent brain damage). Other brain cells are in shock and will start working again after a while. No one can tell just how long it will take for these cells to begin working again. Most healing happens in the first year, but people may improve their skills for much longer.

Disability from stroke can take many forms depending on the area of the brain that is damaged. The stroke’s effect may be slight and temporary or it may be serious, even fatal. A typical stroke survivor may not be able to use his or her right or left side of the body, or may have communication problems such as not being able to speak or read. Every stroke is different.

Symptoms of a Stroke

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of a TIA or a stroke, remember to B.E. F.A.S.T.

Balance: If you have a sudden loss of balance or dizziness, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Eyes: If you have sudden vision changes, such as blurring or partial blindness, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Face: Ask the person to smile. If the face is droopy on one side, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts down or cannot be raised, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Speech: Ask the person to say a simple phrase. If speech is slurred or they are having difficulty saying words, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Time: Call 9-1-1 immediately. With a stroke, time lost is brain lost. Another common symptom of a stroke is the sudden onset of a severe headache.

Are there different types of strokes?

In an ischemic stroke, a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Most strokes are ischemic. The clot may form in the blood vessel or travel from somewhere else in the bloodstream. This stops oxygen and nutrients from getting to your brain and cells begin to die in minutes.

In a hemorrhagic stroke, there is bleeding into or around the brain. The strokes are less common but more deadly than ischemic strokes.

A transient ischemic stroke (or TIA) is a warning sign. This can also be called a "mini-stroke." TIAs usually don't cause damage, but they can be a serious warning sign that you are at risk to have a stroke.

In some instances, despite testing, the cause of a stroke can't be determined. Strokes without a known cause are called cryptogenic. It's estimated that about 1 in 3 ischemic strokes are cryptogenic.

Stroke Risk Factors

Some risk factors of stroke are things you have control over.

Blood pressure: Like cholesterol, high blood pressure can be reduced. Find out if your blood pressure is high. If it is, discuss ways to lower it with your provider.
Cholesterol: Family history may play a role, but diet, exercise, and medication can bring your cholesterol under control.
Exercise: Try to get 30-60 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet, with low-fat and low-salt foods. A healthy diet and exercise can help control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, and will make you feel better overall.
Alcohol: Do not consume more than one alcoholic drink per day. One alcoholic drink equals 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of table wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.
Obesity and Diabetes: Obesity and diabetes greatly increase your risk for stroke. For many, lifestyle changes can reverse both of these problems.
Smoking: Stop smoking now. Ask your provider for resources to help you quit.
Sleep Apnea: The more severe your sleep apnea, the higher your risk for stroke.
Afib: If you have been previously diagnosed with Afib, you are more at risk for stroke.

It is important to work closely with your provider to control your risk factors and understand the medications you take.

There are other risk factors for stroke that you cannot control, but you should be aware of.

Your age and sex: As you grow older, your risk of heart disease and stroke begins to increase and keeps increasing with age.
Your family history: You have a greater risk of stroke if any of your close blood relatives have had a stroke.
Your personal history: Previous transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes put you at a higher risk of a future stroke.