How to recognize the signs of a stroke & respond when one happens

Most strokes are what’s called ischemic – a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or burst, preventing blood and the vital oxygen it carries from getting to the brain. Damage to the brain can occur almost immediately, as about 1.9 million brain cells die each minute from the lack of oxygen.

Less common hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds in the brain.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, is an episode of stroke symptoms and an important warning sign of a higher risk of having a stroke. Although symptoms may disappear shortly after the TIA, it’s important to get immediate medical help.

The signs of a stroke/TIA are:

• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg (especially one side of the body)
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden change in vision
• Sudden change in the ability to walk
• There is usually no pain

For more information, refer to the Face, Arms, Speech, Time (FAST) visual below:

If you experience or witness any of the symptoms mentioned above, call 911 immediately.

Quick treatment can help minimize damage and increase the chances of recovery.

“It is important to recognize that everything depends on early recognition and accessing care FAST. We can make a difference in recovery if we can intervene as soon as possible,” says Cory Bendall, Interior Health’s Stroke Network Director.

“Although stroke care has advanced with better imaging, medications, and procedures that can restore blood flow to the brain, we need each and every person to know the signs and take action.” 

For more information, visit:

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/stroke

https://www.strokebestpractices.ca/

https://www.world-stroke.org/stroke-riskometer