Stroke
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood source to your brain in disturbed. There are two types of strokes; ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood is interrupted after there is a blockage of oxygen through an artery to the brain (clot). A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and an artery bursts. After the clot or rupture occurs, the brain does not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, causing the brain to become damaged and die. This damage effects a victim's appearance, bodily functions, speech and sight.
Symptoms
Major stroke symptoms include dribbling, numbness, blurred vision, a sudden severe headache, difficulty balancing, dizziness or feeling lightheaded. A stroke victim will have difficulty speaking and expressing themselves. Typically, one side of the victim will be affected; one side of the face drooping and on the same side, one arm much weaker than the other. This is because one half of the brain controls it's side of the brain, while the other half controls the other side. Since disruption of blood flow to the brain generally involves only one side of the brain, only one side of the body and brain is affected.
Treatment
Like the steps of DRSABCD, there is a life saving, yet simple list of questions to remember in a suspected stroke situation. If you are faced with a suspected stroke situation use FAST.
Face - is there weakness on one side of their face?
Arms - can they raise both arms?
Speech - is their speech easily understood?
Time - time to call 000
Tips
A stroke occurs when the blood source to your brain in disturbed. There are two types of strokes; ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood is interrupted after there is a blockage of oxygen through an artery to the brain (clot). A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and an artery bursts. After the clot or rupture occurs, the brain does not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, causing the brain to become damaged and die. This damage effects a victim's appearance, bodily functions, speech and sight.
Symptoms
Major stroke symptoms include dribbling, numbness, blurred vision, a sudden severe headache, difficulty balancing, dizziness or feeling lightheaded. A stroke victim will have difficulty speaking and expressing themselves. Typically, one side of the victim will be affected; one side of the face drooping and on the same side, one arm much weaker than the other. This is because one half of the brain controls it's side of the brain, while the other half controls the other side. Since disruption of blood flow to the brain generally involves only one side of the brain, only one side of the body and brain is affected.
Treatment
Like the steps of DRSABCD, there is a life saving, yet simple list of questions to remember in a suspected stroke situation. If you are faced with a suspected stroke situation use FAST.
Face - is there weakness on one side of their face?
- Ask the victim to smile - droopy face indicates a stroke
Arms - can they raise both arms?
- Ask the victim to try and raise both arms - one extremely weak arm indicates a stroke
Speech - is their speech easily understood?
- Ask the victim if they can speak - inaudible and hard to understand indicates a stroke
Time - time to call 000
- If the victim shows the symptoms listed above call 000 immediately or get someone else to call while you monitor the victim
- The faster the victim receives medical help, the less damage caused
Tips
- If the victim becomes unresponsive and unconscious, while waiting for help, perform DRSABCD steps.
- When speaking to a suspected stroke victim, keep your voice calm and speak slowly.
- Help them sit or lie down.
- Reassure them that professional help is on its way.