Knowing how to spot the signs in yourself or a loved one enables you to act confidently and quickly when a stroke occurs. Let's explore common stroke symptoms and what to do if you experience them.
A stroke is a medical emergency that impacts the blood supply to the brain. There are two main types of stroke: a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a burst artery (hemorrhagic stroke).
Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke and happen when blood clots or fatty deposits block the arteries supplying the brain with oxygen. Meanwhile, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery bursts. Both types of stroke prevent enough oxygen from reaching the brain tissue, leading to cell death and stopping the brain from functioning normally.
You may have heard the term "mini-stroke," which is an informal name for a transient ischemic attack (TIA). During a mini-stroke, a blockage in a brain artery causes similar symptoms to a major stroke. However, blood flow to the brain restarts after a short time.
As a senior, recognizing stroke symptoms is particularly important because the risk of having a stroke increases with age. The risk of stroke approximately doubles every decade after you reach 55. Certain health conditions and behaviors can also increase the risk, including:
While seniors are statistically more likely to experience a stroke, the condition can also affect younger people. Knowing the signs of a stroke and what to do if you notice the symptoms in yourself or someone you know can help improve survival and long-term outcomes at any age.
During a stroke, most people experience both physical and cognitive symptoms. The most common signs of a stroke are facial drooping (often on one side of the face), arm weakness or numbness and slurred speech. Other symptoms may include:
The location of the stroke can impact the symptoms. Physical effects often occur on the opposite side of the body, with strokes on the left side of the brain causing weakness and sensory changes on the right side of the body and vice versa. Strokes affecting the brain stem are more likely to cause vision loss and symptoms on both sides of the body.
The faster you receive treatment for a stroke, the lower your risk of death and long-term issues. Doctors can provide treatments to significantly increase your chances of recovery. For example, they may administer drugs to break down blood clots or perform surgery to remove the blockage, restoring normal blood flow. Therefore, it's essential to call 911 as soon as you notice symptoms — don't delay to see if the effects get better on their own.
The American Stroke Association recommends using the FAST guidelines to spot a potential stroke and get medical assistance. Knowing FAST and educating others on its importance can help you or someone in your assisted living community get help as quickly as possible. Memorize the following mnemonic and consider displaying it in your assisted living apartment as a memory aid:
After a mini-stroke, symptoms often resolve within 5 minutes, but some people experience effects for around 24 hours. A mini-stroke rarely causes long-term damage, which means some people take the condition less seriously than a full-blown stroke and don't seek emergency care. However, ignoring the symptoms of a mini-stroke could put you at risk for future harm.
In fact, treating a mini-stroke is just as urgent as seeking help for a major stroke. When symptoms strike, it's impossible for laypeople to distinguish a mini-stroke from other types of stroke. If you don't receive treatment for a mini-stroke, your chances of experiencing a full-blown stroke in the next 12 months are around 33%.
While not all strokes can be prevented, there are things you can do to reduce the risk. Giving up smoking and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can make having a stroke less likely while improving your overall well-being.
Managing health conditions associated with strokes, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, is also important. Your doctor and the health care team at Hickory Villa can provide guidance and support to reduce your risk of stroke.
