5 Warning Signs That You're Having a Stroke

When it comes to a stroke, you (or a loved one) are in a race against a clock.

    The time between the onset of a stroke and the start of stroke treatment could mean the difference between recovery and severe brain injury.

    The key is to immediately get to the emergency room for a brain scan.

• If you're suffering from an ischemic stroke, which results from blocked blood flow to the brain, you must be treated within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms in order for clot-busting drugs to be effective.   

• If you're a victim of a hemorrhagic stroke, doctors need to stop the rupture and bleeding in or around the brain.

    In either case, the quicker the treatment, the less disabling the damage.

I cannot stress this point enough

  

    Call 9-1-1 immediately if you, or someone you're with, experience any of the following 5 symptoms...

1. Numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body. This can be in the face, an arm, or a leg. If someone you're with appears to be experiencing this, ask the person to smile, lift both arms, or move both legs. If one side of the body doesn't respond, it may be a sign of stroke.     
2. Confusion or trouble speaking. Difficulty talking or understanding could mean that blood is not getting to the area of the brain that controls language. Try to repeat a simple sentence. Slurred or strange speech could indicate trouble.  
3. Vision and perception problems. Stroke can diminish sight in one or both eyes or cause double vision. It can also lessen a person's ability to make sense of basic visual cues, like recognizing a face or familiar objects.  
4. Trouble moving. Loss of coordination and balance or difficulty walking can signal that a stroke has occurred in the part of the brain where voluntary muscle coordination is controlled. 
5. Severe headache. A painful headache out of the blue or with no known cause may signal a stroke, most often a hemorrhagic stroke.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Even if these symptoms only last a few minutes, seek medical attention at once by calling 9-1-1, or going to your local hospital emergency room.

    Strokes have impacted quite a few of my family members and it's the reason why I am so passionate about this topic.

    Remember, every second counts.  Acting quickly can help assure your best recovery from a stroke and give you the best chance for a longer and happier life.