What to Do When Someone Has a Stroke

Stroke Emergencies: Why Every Second Counts

Time is life itself when a stroke occurs. The more it procrastinates the higher the possibility of permanent damage to the brain. Early identification of the signs and acting accordingly will help to minimize it and with a possibility to save one more life. It is not that one has to do something exceptional instead it is a matter of staying composed, being alert and doing the simple right.

How to Recognise a Stroke: Use the F.A.S.T. Test

Stroke symptoms usually appear without warning. If someone around you is acting strangely, seems unstable or not talking well, you can do the F.A.S.T. check:

• Face – Ask them to smile. One side may droop or appear uneven.
• Arms – Can they lift both arms? Watch if one drifts downward or doesn’t move.
• Speech – Listen for slurred or jumbled speech. Can they repeat a simple phrase clearly?
• Time – If you notice any of these, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

These are among the initial symptoms of a stroke. It is serious, even in the case of symptoms appearing to be overcome. The transient ischemic attack (TIA) is also a temporary occurrence that requires immediate treatment.

What to Do Right Away

• Call Triple Zero (000) as soon as you notice signs.
• Avoid driving the person yourself. Ambulance teams can start emergency care on-site and will take the person to the right hospital for stroke treatment.
• Stay with the person and monitor their condition. Try to keep them calm and still while you wait for help.

Speaking With Emergency Services: What to Say

The emergency services depend on you to produce clear and accurate information. Triple Zero offers to make communication tight:

• Dial the emergency number and request an ambulance on a safe site.
• Point out exactly what is going on and answer all inquires.
• Include your precise location including street address and close landmarks.
• In case you are driving, tell others where you are travelling.
• Do not just hang up unless you are allowed to do it.

The less distorted and panic-stricken your answers, the quicker they are able to send help.

While Waiting for the Ambulance

While help is on the way, here’s what you can do to support the person:

• If they’re conscious, gently lay them on their side. Keep their head slightly raised and supported.

• Do not offer any food or drinks.

• Loosen clothing, especially around the neck or chest.

• If a limb appears weak or immobile, support it during any movement. Avoid pulling or shifting them forcefully.

• If they’re unconscious:

  • Check for breathing and a pulse.

  • If they’re not breathing or don’t have a pulse, begin CPR.

  • The emergency call taker can guide you through CPR if you’re unsure.

These steps may help reduce complications before medical staff arrive.

Emergency Treatment: What Happens Next?

Doctors, once in the hospital, know that they should be quick to ascertain the type of stroke. There are two major kinds ischaemic (blocked artery) and haemorrhagic (bleeding) which require very different treatment.

For Ischaemic Strokes (Blockages)

• Blood flow is typically restored by means of clot-dissolving medication (tPA). It has to be taken though, within 4.5 hours of the symptom being felt and not everyone is allowed to take it.
• The clog can be physically dislodged with endovascular clot retrieval by inserting a catheter into a large artery that stretches to the brain.

For Haemorrhagic Strokes (Bleeding)

• Doctors may lower blood pressure rapidly to prevent further bleeding.
• Medications could be used to reverse blood thinners if the person has been taking them.
• In some cases, brain surgery is necessary either to reduce swelling, drain accumulated blood, or repair a damaged vessel.

The aim is to stabilise the person, limit damage, and prepare for the next steps in recovery.

Support After a Stroke: What It Might Involve

The post-stroke recovery process might be lengthy and different to all people. There will be people who may only require a couple of weeks to help them; also there are those who may require a long-term assistance.

Areas of common support include:

• Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing)
• Meal preparation and feeding support
• Mobility assistance
• Managing medications
• Transport to medical appointments
• Light household tasks
• Grocery shopping
• Companionship and emotional support

These tasks can be overwhelming at first. Accessing the right kind of help makes it easier for both the individual and their family to adjust.

Recovery at Home: Adjusting to Daily Life

Going home does not always imply going back to normal. Doing everyday things can become hard. Simple things such as walking, post-meeting, or speaking become tasks to some.

Recovery at-home generally entails:

• Circle of support workers who assist regarding daily routines
• Advice on the use of mobility aids or modification of the home
• The relief of relatives who take care of the person
• Follow-up checks and communicating on drugs in order to maintain regular visits

Dependable support at home can be used to create a feeling of normalcy and avoid the hospital readmission.

Physical Rehabilitation and Exercise

Rehabilitation begins as soon as possible sometimes even in the hospital. A physiotherapist usually assesses the person and sets up a plan. This may involve:

• Rolling over and changing positions in bed
• Getting in and out of a chair or bed
• Standing up and walking safely
• Improving balance and coordination

Over time, physical exercises may be introduced to:

• Strengthen weak muscles
• Increase stamina
• Reduce joint stiffness and prevent contractures
• Restore independence in daily movements

Progress is gradual, and setbacks are normal but consistent rehab builds real improvement.

Mental and Emotional Health Post-Stroke

Stroke does not only influence the body, it can profoundly influence the mood and mental health. Anxiety, frustration, and depression are usual, particularly in instances where the recovery occurs slowly or it seems to be uncertain.

One should not feel embarrassed to get these feelings treated right away. This may entail:

• Talking to a G.P or counselor
• Participation in support groups
• Socialising with psychologists or counsellors
• Using family and friends in emotional healing

After a physical illness, mental health recovery is as important as a physical one and it is time to take both as seriously as possible.

Nutrition After a Stroke

The healthful eating is necessary after a stroke, yet some people might also have the following problems:

• Impaired eating due to a poor grasp/poor range of motion
• Problems swallowing (dysphagia)
• Loss of appetite or taste loss
• The inability to remember in connection with breakfast or drinks

A healthy diet ensures that healing takes place and risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are controlled. Under the Australian Dietary Guidelines it is beneficial to:

• Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grain and lean proteins
• Apply foods containing high amount of fibre, potassium as well as antioxidants
• Minimize salty food, fatty foods, and candy bars
• Do not use alcohol or consume it greatly

When necessary a dietitian may provide practical and individualistic recommendations to enable safer and easier eating.