A stoke is a medical event that is categorized by a loss of blood supply to the brain. They can occur due to loss of blood flow to the brain, or because bleeding has developed in the brain. The likelihood of suffering a stroke increases as we get older and if we have other health conditions, so you probably know someone who has been affected by a stroke.

Since strokes are such serious medical events, reducing the time between the onset of a stroke and medical intervention is crucial for reducing the problems caused by the stroke. In order to help stroke victims, we need to be able to recognize the signs of a stroke. So today, we share five warning signs that suggest a person is about to or is currently suffering from a stroke.

5 Signs Of A Stroke

If you notice any of these signs, call for medical assistance right away.

1. Confusion or difficulty with comprehension – If you notice that you can’t seem to think straight, or the person you are talking to suddenly becomes confused or stops making sense, it could be the initial stages of a stroke.

2. Facial drooping – If one side of the person’s face appears to “droop,” it’s an obvious sign of a stroke. Serious strokes can cause facial paralysis, which can lead to the appearance or drooping or frozen facial muscles.

3. Arm weakness – One quick test you can perform if you think someone may be suffering from a stroke is to ask them to raise both arms out to their side. If one arm drifts downward, or if they are unable to lift the arm, there’s likely an issue in the brain.

4. Difficulty speaking – Individuals suffering from a stroke may have trouble speaking, they may have slurred speech, or their speech may be incomprehensible. Ask someone to repeat a simple sentence to determine if they are having difficulty speaking.

5. Vision problems – If all of a sudden your vision becomes blurry, or someone you’re with says their vision is fuzzy, you’ll want to seek out medical assistance.

Strokes can cause paralysis, permanent cognitive problems and can even lead to death, but the quicker the response, the better the chance long-term damage can be prevented. So if you notice any of the above symptoms, get in contact with an emergency department or a neurologist’s office as soon as possible. For more information about stroke symptoms or to talk to a neurosurgeon, contact Dr. Chang’s office today.