By Todd Solomon HCE / TTC 10 Symptoms of a stroke By Todd Solomon HCE / TTC

Definitions Brain Attack- sudden loss of brain function as a result of two things, which is also how we categorize strokes. Ischemic stroke- interruption of blood flow to the brain. ( Blood Clot ) Hemorrhagic stroke- bleeding or a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. Leakage into surrounding brain tissue causes damage to nerve cells.

Interruption of blood flow The brain cells become deprived of oxygen. The result of a stroke is complex and varies greatly on the individual, and where in the brain the stroke occurred.

Strokes can have various side effects Some stroke victims can have minimal side effects that may not even be noticeable. Slight tingling in the limb, or restricted movement. However, in serious cases, a stroke can be completely debilitating, causing speech problems, paralysis, and in some instances, even death.

Every year 800,000 people will experience a stroke Every 4 minutes someone will die from a stroke and 80% of these deaths are preventable, it just takes a little work. Losing weight, drinking less alcohol, consuming less sodium and exercising will all lower your risk of having a stroke. Strokes are the leading cause of disability in adults in the United States.

Older population (65 plus) are at a higher risk This should be taken as a sign to the younger generation to be proactive and get healthy in hopes of eliminating the risk as much as possible.

State EMS protocols transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke) When there are small episodes of sudden weakness, or falls during the night. EMS helps them back to their beds. Then we do F.A.S.T. exams and find nothing wrong. This is an indicator that they need to be taken to the hospital. One or two days later they have the same thing happen. (Possible blockage / Clot) Two weeks later we find them with a full blown stroke with paralyses and deficits on one side.

How to recognize the signs and symptoms - it might just save your life

10 symptoms of a stroke

1. Trouble seeing Depending on what part of the brain is affected by the stoke. The area of the brain that deals with sight can be affected, resulting in a variety of optical symptoms. Blurred vision Dimming vision (often likened to a curtain falling) Even complete loss of vision. May be temporary, permanent optical problems.

2. Loss of balance If you have trouble sitting down without falling. Or if you are having trouble walking without good balance, you may be having a stroke. Often you lose balance form a stroke because one side of your body is affected (Weakened).

3. Difficulty speaking Trouble speaking or even confusing one’s words are signs of a stroke. Trying to speak but slurring one’s words or being unable to speak are other signs of a stroke.

4. Weakness A common symptom of stroke is experiencing weakness in one’s arms and legs. Perform a self-test, which includes having the ability to lift one’s arms with equal speed and strength.

5. Facial paralysis It is symptomatic for individuals to experience one side of their face going numb or even paralyzed. Facial paralysis is often accompanied with slight pain in the face, dizziness, difficulty in speaking and inability to express emotion, tearing of the eye, drooling, muscle twitching.

6. Pain For the most part, strokes are not usually painful: However, it is for this reason, among others, that strokes have been subdivided. Blockage type strokes are relatively painless. Hemorrhagic strokes are the type that involves bleeding (Internally) and are typically painful.

7. Loss of understanding If you suddenly notice that another person doesn't understand what you are saying. You might be experiencing a stroke. Especially during what should be a basic conversation.

8. Severe headaches Many people who have suffered a stroke report experiencing a sudden, severe, migraine type headache. Very often, many people’s headaches are accompanied with a feeling of Dizziness Nausea Vomiting

9. Loss of your senses A stroke is a brain attack, and your brain controls and deciphers your senses, so when your brain is damaged you can lose some or all of your senses. Touch Smell Taste In some cases they can be long lasting.

10.fatigue A common symptom of a stroke is the sudden onset of fatigue. Typically, this will affect a victim fast and without warning, with there being no logical explanation for the lethargy.