Recognising Stroke Symptoms: Know the Warning Signs

Understanding What a Stroke Is

Stroke occurs as the blood supply to the brain is abruptly interrupted, halting oxygen in brain tissue. This may lead to ruination of parts of the mind in case it is not taken care of immediately.

In Australia, the first stroke occurred in almost 30,000 individuals in the year 2020 which translates to one incident every 19 minutes. Although the prevalence of strokes is high, most people do not know the way to detect it. The ability to recognise early signs and institute action in good time is important. When reducing harm and helping during the recovery stage, one second can make the difference.

The F.A.S.T. Way to Spot a Stroke

Strokes are not always replicated at one individual to the other, yet the most common signs can be identified with the help of a memory tool called F.A.S.T.:

• Face: See whether one side of the face has become droopier or whether the individual can not smile usually.
• Arms: Instruct them to raise both arms. If one arm is weak or falling down?
• Speech: Is their speech slurred? Are they having difficulties talking clearly or comprehending what is being said?
• Time: In case of occurrence of any of the above, seek medical assistance. Phone 000 immediately.

Other Stroke Symptoms to Watch For

While the F.A.S.T. signs are the most well-known, there are other symptoms that can also point to a stroke, such as:

• A sudden, intense headache that feels different from usual
• Losing consciousness
• Blurry vision or complete vision loss in one or both eyes
• Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
• Feeling dizzy or unsteady
• Trouble with coordination
• Problems swallowing

If someone shows any of these signs, it’s important to call emergency services right away.

What Is a Silent Stroke?

A silent stroke is more tricky to detect since it usually does not have visualizable symptoms such as slurred speech or paralysis. Rather, it can be identified only by imaging like MRI scan or CT scan that shows the alteration in the brain.

It was named because silent strokes are very easy to miss because it strikes parts of the brain that are not involved with movement or speech. There are those individuals who realize that they just had a silent stroke many years later.

Some subtle signs that could suggest a silent stroke include:

• Unsteady walking or poor balance
• Falling more often than usual
• Problems controlling the bladder
• Mood swings or emotional changes
• Memory or thinking difficulties

These signs are sometimes brushed off as signs of ageing, but they can indicate that a silent stroke has taken place.

Spotting a Mini Stroke (TIA)

A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), also known as a mini stroke, is a brief but temporary 'ischaemic stroke' in which the symptoms mimic those of a stroke  but they often resolve within a a short time - minutes, a few hours. Even though they are temporary, mini strokes should never be ignored. They can indicate the possibility that a full-scale stroke is on its way.

Mini stroke symptoms may include:

• Sudden weakness or loss of control in parts of the body
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Blurred or double vision
• Temporary blindness in one eye
• Trouble speaking or using the wrong words
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness

Since such symptoms pass on a short notice, they are ignored. It is however important to get checked quickly to avoid a bigger heart attack in future.

A guide to Know how to Prevent Stroke

Simple Tests You Can Try in an Emergency

Considering that an individual is experiencing a stroke, you can quickly test on him or her to confirm your suspicion. Request them to:

• Smile (check inequality or sagging)
• Lift arms (average arms strength)
• Just say a word (hear slurring of words, jumbling up of words

In case any of such actions are hard or suspect, do not delay  call 000 immediately.

What Happens at the Hospital?

Once at the hospital, doctors will perform several tests to confirm if a stroke has occurred and determine what kind it is. These might include:

• Physical examination
• CT or MRI scans
• Blood tests
• Heart checks like ECGs
• Imaging tests like ultrasounds or angiograms

These tests help medical teams figure out the best way to treat the stroke and prevent further complications.

Things to Keep in Mind When a Stroke Happens

While waiting for medical help, here are a few important steps to follow:

• Help the person lie on their side with their head slightly raised.
• Avoid giving them food, drink, or any medication.
• Stay calm and help the person stay calm too.
• Take note of any other changes like fainting or severe confusion.
• Call 000 immediately, even if symptoms seem to improve.

Support Following a Stroke

Recovery after a stroke often involves changes to everyday routines. Many people need help with physical rehabilitation, daily activities, and adjusting emotionally.

At Support Network, we understand how complex recovery can be. That’s why our focus is on connecting people with the right support to live safely and confidently at home.