Stroke (or cerebral stroke) is a serious condition where blood flow to the brain is disrupted. This occurs when a blood clot blocks a brain artery or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding into the brain. Due to stroke, brain cells can be damaged or even die because they do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients.
Types of stroke:
1. Ischemic stroke – the most common type of stroke (about 85% of all strokes), occurs due to a blood clot that blocks a brain blood vessel.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke – occurs when a blood vessel bursts and blood leaks into the brain. This is a rarer but more often fatal type of stroke.
Symptoms of stroke:
Stroke symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen quickly, so it is important to seek medical help immediately. The most common symptoms are:
1. Sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg – especially on one side of the body.
2. Sudden speech disturbance – the person may start speaking unclearly or have difficulty understanding speech.
3. Sudden vision problems – one or both eyes may become blurry or blindness may occur.
4. Sudden dizziness or coordination problems – loss of balance, difficulty walking.
5. Sudden severe headache – often without a clear cause, may be associated with hemorrhagic stroke.
How to recognize a stroke (according to the FAST method):
- F (Face) – ask the person to smile. If the face is distorted, this may be a sign of stroke.
- A (Arms) – ask them to raise both arms. If one arm drops and is weaker, this may be a sign.
- S (Speech) – ask them to repeat a simple phrase. If speech is unclear or strange, this is a warning sign.
- T (Time) – if these symptoms are noticed, it is time to call emergency services. The sooner the person receives treatment, the greater the chance of avoiding serious consequences.
First aid when stroke is suspected is very important because a quick response can reduce the risk of possible complications and long-term consequences. The sooner a person receives medical help, the greater the chance to reduce brain damage.
To avoid panic in such a situation where quick action is needed, this First Aid instruction will help. If you suspect someone has had a stroke:
- Immediately call emergency services at 112. A person who has had a stroke must be transported to a medical facility within 3 hours.
- If the victim is conscious, lay them down, slightly elevate the head and shoulders by placing a soft pillow or other support underneath.
- Try to calm the person, loosen any clothing that may restrict breathing, stay nearby and monitor consciousness and breathing until medical personnel arrive.
- If the person is unconscious, open the airway and check breathing. If they are not breathing, begin resuscitation – perform 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
